The development and production SHS 2 manual predate the appointment of Hon. Haruna Iddrisu – MoE

by Inusah Dondaliya – 17th January 2026

The Ministry of Education has refuted claims that the sector Minister, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu authorized the introduction of Physical Education and Health (Elective) Teacher Manual for SHS Year, containing the definition of gender identity that is not reflective of Ghanaian norms and values.

This follows a publication by the Centre for Democratic Movement attributing the approval of the manual to Hon. Haruna Iddrisu as the Minister with oversight responsibility.

In a press statement issued today by the Press Secretary to the Minister of Education, Hashimin Mohammed, unequivocally denies the allegations, stating that the development and production of the manual predate the Minister, pointing out that it started way back in 2021 led by National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) with support from Transforming Teaching, Education & Learning (T-TEL).

The statement also indicated that the Ministry of Education in 2021 entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Transforming Teaching, Education and Learning (T-TEL) to provide technical advisory services, project management, research, and implementation support aimed at strengthening teaching and learning outcomes nationwide.

The statement further stressed that a rigorous process was used to identify and select over 300 Ghanaian professionals from secondary schools, Colleges of Education, industry and universities to write the curriculum and accompanying resources such as Teacher Manuals, Learner Materials and PLC Handbooks. The curriculum development process involved extensive stakeholder engagements before and during the writing and the trial phases.

Meanwhile, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) has withdrawn printed copies of a Senior High School (SHS) teacher manual after acknowledging that certain content on “Gender Identity” in the Year 2 Physical Education and Health (Elective) Teacher Manual did not align with Ghanaian culture, norms, and values, adding that a revised version of the manual, reflecting national values and biological understanding, has now been released.

Below is the press statement:

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION CLARIFIES PUBLICATION ATTRIBUTED TO HON. HARUNA IDDRISU

1. ⁠The Ministry of Education has taken note of a publication by the Centre for Democratic Movement alleging that the Honourable Minister for Education, Hon Haruna Iddrisu, authorised the Physical Education and Health (Elective) Teacher Manual for SHS Year Two in 2024, which contains a definition of gender identity that is not reflective of Ghanaian norms and values.
2. ⁠The Ministry states unequivocally that this allegation is false and entirely without basis.
3. In 2021 the Ministry of Education entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Transforming Teaching, Education and Learning (T-TEL) to provide technical advisory services, project management, research, and implementation support aimed at strengthening teaching and learning outcomes nationwide.
4. The curriculum development process began in 2021 led by National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) with support from Transforming Teaching, Education & Learning (T-TEL). A rigorous process was used to identify and select over 300 Ghanaian professionals from secondary schools, Colleges of Education, industry and universities to write the curriculum and accompanying resources i.e Teacher Manuals, Learner Materials and PLC Handbooks. The curriculum development process involved extensive stakeholder engagements before and during the writing and the trial phases.
5. The development and production of this manual predate the appointment of Hon. Haruna Iddrisu as Minister for Education. He therefore had no oversight of the said material produced.
6. Furthermore, the only official document produced under the direct leadership of Hon. Haruna Iddrisu since assuming office is the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) handbooks, which provides a structured platform for teachers to meet regularly to share best practices and improve subject-specific teaching and learning outcomes. The PLC handbook contains no ambiguity regarding the definition of gender.
7. ⁠The Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to national educational policies and values. We urge the public and media organisations to verify information thoroughly before publication to prevent misinformation and unnecessary public concern.

Signed,Hashmin Mohammed
Press Secretary to the Hon. Minister for Education