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The Ministry of Education has dismissed allegations suggesting that the Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, authorised a controversial definition of gender identity contained in the Physical Education and Health (Elective) Teacher Manual for Senior High School (SHS) Year Two.
In a press statement dated January 17, 2026, the Ministry described claims by the Centre for Democratic Movement as false and entirely without basis, stressing that the publication in question does not reflect any decision or directive by the current minister.
According to the Ministry, the development of the SHS curriculum, including teacher manuals and learner materials, began in 2021 under the leadership of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), with technical support from Transforming Teaching, Education and Learning (T-TEL).
The statement explained that over 300 Ghanaian professionals drawn from secondary schools, Colleges of Education, universities and industry were engaged in the curriculum writing process, which involved extensive stakeholder consultations as well as trial phases before finalisation.
The Ministry further clarified that the production of the Physical Education and Health Teacher Manual predates the appointment of Hon. Haruna Iddrisu as Minister for Education, and as such, he had no oversight or involvement in its development.
It added that the only official materials produced under the direct leadership of the minister since he assumed office are the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) handbooks, which are designed to improve teaching and learning outcomes through structured peer engagement among teachers.
The Ministry emphasised that the PLC handbooks contain no ambiguity regarding the definition of gender and are fully aligned with Ghana’s national educational policies and values.
The statement, signed by the Press Secretary to the Minister for Education, Hashmin Mohammed, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, accountability and accuracy, while urging the public and media organisations to verify information thoroughly to avoid misinformation and unnecessary public concern.
Find the press statement below
