NaCCA Orders Immediate Recall of SHS Physical Education and Health Manual
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) has instructed all senior high school teachers who possess hard copies of the Physical Education and Health teachers’ manual to return them with immediate effect. The directive comes amid growing public concern over specific content contained in the manual, particularly a definition related to gender identity.
Confirming the decision in an interview with Adom News, NaCCA Board Chairman, Prof. Vincent Assanful, explained that the action forms part of a broader effort to safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s education system. According to him, the council has commenced a comprehensive review of curricula across all levels of education, from basic to secondary schools.
At the centre of the controversy is a section of the manual that defines gender identity as an individual’s deeply felt internal experience of gender, which may or may not align with the sex assigned at birth. The content further suggests that gender may be male, female, or a combination of both, moving beyond a strictly binary framework. This definition has sparked debate among stakeholders, prompting NaCCA to intervene.
Prof. Assanful stressed that the ongoing review is not limited to the gender identity component alone. Instead, the council is critically assessing the entire manual to ensure that all instructional materials are clear, appropriate, and consistent with Ghanaian cultural values, while still meeting accepted educational standards.
He assured teachers, parents, and the general public that NaCCA remains committed to delivering curricula that are balanced, contextually relevant, and educationally sound. The recall of the manuals, he noted, is a precautionary measure to prevent confusion in classrooms while the review process is completed.
NaCCA is expected to provide further guidance once the assessment is concluded, including possible revisions and the reissuance of approved teaching materials. Until then, teachers have been urged to comply fully with the directive and await official communication on the next steps.
