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Rev. Ntim Fordjour Condemns Government Over Gender Definition in SHS Curriculum

Date: January 13, 2026 | Category: Education News / Ghana Politics

Introduction

A significant political and educational controversy has erupted in Ghana following strong criticisms leveled by Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, the Member of Parliament for Assin South. The central issue involves allegations that the government has introduced controversial definitions regarding gender and sexual rights into the Senior High School (SHS) curriculum. This development has sparked a heated debate about educational oversight, cultural values, and the alignment of school materials with the nation’s constitution. As the Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education, Rev. Ntim Fordjour’s concerns highlight a potential clash between modern educational frameworks and traditional societal norms.

Key Points

Background

The controversy stems from the implementation of a new Senior High School curriculum introduced in the previous academic year. To aid teachers in this transition, supplementary materials, specifically the Year 2 Physical Education and Health (Elective) Teacher Manual, were developed and distributed in 2024.

According to Rev. Ntim Fordjour, the distribution of these manuals occurred despite a lack of adequate oversight. He contends that while Parliament had approved a general curriculum framework, executive agencies proceeded to develop, print, and disseminate specific teaching guides containing content that had not been scrutinized. The MP highlighted that “hundreds of thousands of copies” of these manuals have reached schools nationwide, making the potential impact widespread.

This educational concern is compounded by the political climate surrounding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. Rev. Fordjour expressed that the Minority is “appalled and disappointed” by what they perceive as a pattern of behavior by the government to suppress this anti-LGBTQ+ bill in Parliament while simultaneously allowing similar concepts to enter the educational system.

Analysis

The Definition of Gender and Sexual Rights

The core of the dispute lies in how gender and sexual rights are defined within the teacher manual. Rev. Fordjour argues that the manual defines sexual rights based on an individual’s feelings regarding their sexual orientation without discrimination. He asserts that this definition is “alien” to Ghana’s legal framework, which he argues strictly recognizes gender as binary—male and female.

From a pedagogical perspective, the inclusion of such definitions in a Physical Education and Health manual suggests an intent to broaden the scope of the subject to include psychosocial and human rights elements. However, the MP views this as a subversive tactic. He accused the government of acting as “a mouthpiece for LGBT activists” within the school system, suggesting that the executive branch is bypassing legislative will to introduce progressive social values that have not been codified into Ghanaian law.

Procedural Irregularities

The critique also touches on governance and due process. By claiming that the manuals were printed without sufficient oversight, the MP raises questions regarding the checks and balances within the educational procurement and curriculum development process. If true, this indicates a potential gap where educational content can be mass-produced and distributed before facing parliamentary or public scrutiny.

Practical Advice

For educators, parents, and students following this developing story, here are practical steps to navigate the uncertainty:

For Teachers and Schools

Follow Official Directives: Since the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) has directed the return of the manuals, schools should adhere strictly to this instruction to avoid compliance issues.

Consult School Administrators: Until the Ministry of Education or NaCCA issues a revised manual or clarification, teachers should consult their headmasters and circuit supervisors for guidance on how to conduct Physical Education and Health lessons.

For Parents and Guardians

Review Learning Materials: Parents are encouraged to review the books and materials their children bring home. If the controversial manual is present, note the recall instruction.

Engage with School Boards: Parents can raise concerns regarding curriculum content through the Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) or the school management committees.

FAQ

Conclusion

The condemnation by Rev. Ntim Fordjour regarding the SHS Physical Education and Health manual underscores a deep divide in Ghanaian society over the intersection of education, culture, and human rights. As the government, through NaCCA, moves to recall the manuals, the incident serves as a critical case study on the importance of transparency in curriculum development. It remains to be seen how the Ministry of Education will address these concerns and what revised materials will be provided to ensure that Ghana’s educational system reflects both international standards and local constitutional values.