Accra, Ghana – A history textbook aimed at schools in Ghana has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from parents and the education minister for its portrayal of Christian missionary work and its impact on the country.
The textbook, titled “History of Ghana for Basic Schools, Learners Book 4,” has been accused of denigrating Christian missionaries by highlighting what it claims are the negative effects of their activities.
The textbook, which is part of the curriculum for primary schools in Ghana, has caused a stir due to its contentious content. It asserts that “Christianity has led to an increase in poverty” and suggests that “some religious doctrines brought by missionaries create a sense of fear or timidity.”
These statements have triggered an outcry among some members of the public who view them as an unfair portrayal of the contributions made by Christian missionaries to Ghana’s history.
The Ghana National Association of Authors and Publishers expresses regret over controversial book content. In response, a committee will be established to evaluate all books published by association members used in schools.
One of the contentious statements in the book was the assertion that “Religion is a major cause of physical conflict … around the world” and that “Most religious groups discriminate against women in so many ways.”
Ntim Fordjour, Ghana’s deputy education minister, strongly criticizes the book, describing it as “obnoxious” and claiming it was introduced to the market without proper scrutiny, potentially misleading unsuspecting students.
Fordjour emphasizes that “The content is appalling and misconcieved,” emphasizing that Ghana’s peaceful coexistence is greatly influenced by the significant role of religion.
However, certain lessons from the book may resonate beyond the school environment, including statements such as “Religion creates an avenue for many tricksters or charlatans to parade as men of God”
Additionally, the textbook highlights “Many politicians in Ghana use religion as a vehicle to cause disaffection amongst people in a bid to advance their political interest.”
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (Nacca) demands an immediate recall of the book from the market.
Concerned individuals have expressed their dismay over what they perceive as a biased representation of the impact of Christian missionaries. Many argue that the textbook fails to acknowledge the positive aspects of missionary work, such as the establishment of schools, hospitals, and other social services that have greatly benefited local communities.
Recently on social media, there was also a Ghanaian textbook allegedly said to have erased slavery from history. In a video made by Author and journalist Afua Hirsch, she expressed her profound disappointment upon discovering an appalling book widely employed by educators in a West African country.
Accra, Ghana – A history textbook aimed at schools in Ghana has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from parents and the education minister for its portrayal of Christian missionary work and its impact on the country.
The textbook, titled “History of Ghana for Basic Schools, Learners Book 4,” has been accused of denigrating Christian missionaries by highlighting what it claims are the negative effects of their activities.
The textbook, which is part of the curriculum for primary schools in Ghana, has caused a stir due to its contentious content. It asserts that “Christianity has led to an increase in poverty” and suggests that “some religious doctrines brought by missionaries create a sense of fear or timidity.”
These statements have triggered an outcry among some members of the public who view them as an unfair portrayal of the contributions made by Christian missionaries to Ghana’s history.
The Ghana National Association of Authors and Publishers expresses regret over controversial book content. In response, a committee will be established to evaluate all books published by association members used in schools.
One of the contentious statements in the book was the assertion that “Religion is a major cause of physical conflict … around the world” and that “Most religious groups discriminate against women in so many ways.”
Ntim Fordjour, Ghana’s deputy education minister, strongly criticizes the book, describing it as “obnoxious” and claiming it was introduced to the market without proper scrutiny, potentially misleading unsuspecting students.
Fordjour emphasizes that “The content is appalling and misconcieved,” emphasizing that Ghana’s peaceful coexistence is greatly influenced by the significant role of religion.
However, certain lessons from the book may resonate beyond the school environment, including statements such as “Religion creates an avenue for many tricksters or charlatans to parade as men of God”
Additionally, the textbook highlights “Many politicians in Ghana use religion as a vehicle to cause disaffection amongst people in a bid to advance their political interest.”
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (Nacca) demands an immediate recall of the book from the market.
Parents, religious leaders, and concerned citizens have expressed their dismay over what they perceive as a biased representation of the impact of Christian missionaries. Many argue that the textbook fails to acknowledge the positive aspects of missionary work, such as the establishment of schools, hospitals, and other social services that have greatly benefited local communities.
Recently on social media, there was also a Ghanaian textbook allegedly said to have erased slavery from history. In a video made by Author and journalist Afua Hirsch, she expressed her profound disappointment upon discovering an appalling book widely employed by educators in a West African country.
GHANA TEXTBOOK ERASES SLAVERY
Talk about whitewashing history! A Ghanaian school textbook is presenting colonialism as anything but a brutal occupation. Instead, the publication called “A History of Ghana for Basic Schools” paints a rosy picture, fails to mention slavery, and… pic.twitter.com/mbUkPxb0O1
— African Stream (@african_stream) May 21, 2023
