The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has confirmed that the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) has withdrawn and revised a physical education and health manual for senior high schools (SHSs) following public concerns over content considered offensive to Ghanaian cultural norms.

He disclosed that NaCCA had already withdrawn about 700 copies of the manual before public criticism escalated. He said the revised and approved version no longer contained the language that generated concern.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu explained that the document in question was an instructional guide for teachers of physical education and health at the SHS level.

According to him, the controversy stemmed from a single line in the manual that described gender in a manner deemed inappropriate and inconsistent with Ghanaian values.

He stressed that the government was not promoting any ideas or practices that run contrary to Ghanaian culture, describing the incident as an oversight rather than a deliberate policy direction. While welcoming public scrutiny, he urged that discussions around the issue remain measured and factual.

“Government certainly is not allowed to promote anything that is at variance with Ghanaian culture. So, whereas we welcome scrutiny, it’s important that such claims are toned down. Overzealous sensationalism is not something that we should encourage,” he said.

Responding to questions on the appointment of ministers for defence and for environment, science and technology, Mr Kwakye Ofosu said the president had not indicated any specific timeline for the appointments. He noted that the officials currently overseeing the two portfolios were performing their duties satisfactorily, and assured that any future appointments would be communicated through the appropriate government channels.

He also confirmed that disputes involving military personnel would be handled in line with established procedures and protocols to ensure they were resolved within acceptable limits.

The Government Accountability Series during which he spoke, he added, serves as a platform for public officials to clarify government policies, respond to public concerns and strengthen transparency and citizen engagement.