The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) has recalled the Senior High School Physical Education and Health teachers’ manual after concerns were raised over a section defining gender identity.
NaCCA, the body responsible for developing and reviewing curricula across Ghana’s education system, said the recall forms part of a wider efforts to ensure teaching materials reflect Ghanaian values while maintaining academic credibility.
The manual stated that gender can include being male, female or a blend of both, going beyond the traditional male/female binary.
This definition sparked public debate and raised questions about whether it aligns with Ghanaian traditional and societal values.
Following the backlash, NaCCA moved to withdraw hard copies of the manual from circulation.
Speaking in an interview with Adom News on January 13, 2026, Professor Vincent Assanful, Chairman of the NaCCA Board, stated that teachers in possession of the manual had been instructed to return it as part of an ongoing curriculum review.
NaCCA withdraws SHS teachers’ manual over gender identity concerns
“In the review process, we should have flagged that definition. We are undertaking changes in the curriculum. I have instructed my Director-General to issue a statement clarifying that section, and we will take a second look at the entire ‘definition of terms’ section,” Professor Assanful said.
He acknowledged that the manual had passed expert review stages but admitted that the controversial definition raised questions about internal checks.
“During preparation, a subject expert reviewed the document. I have asked the Deputy Director to follow up with the expert to understand how that definition was included. The response was communicated, but I am not fully convinced. I have also engaged the Director-General,” he added.
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Although NaCCA has not given a timeline for completing the review, it stated that schools will be informed once revisions are finalised.
The review ensures that teaching materials are carefully checked and aligned with both academic standards and Ghanaian societal and cultural values.
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