The Ghana National Association of Authors and Publishers has tendered an unreserved apology to the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) and the Ministry of Education over a contentious history textbook for schools.
This follows NaCCA’s call to withdraw the textbook “History of Ghana for Basic Schools-Learners’ Book Four”, whose content allegedly denigrated Christianity.
The book’s content was met with condemnation from stakeholders, while the Deputy Minister of Education, John Ntim Fordjour, described it as appalling and misconceived.
In response, the Authors and Publishers have admitted the error on the part of the producers of the book, Excellence Publications.
“As an association, we cannot sit unconcerned but help Ghanaians understand the scope of the matter and render an apology for any inconveniences caused. We did not gather here to pass judgement on who is right or wrong with regard to NaCCA and that of the Ministry of Education and our own brother, who owns Excellence Publications.
“We are here to render apologies, and apologies are due in our bid to protect the image and professionalism of writing and book development in Ghana,” the National President, John Akwasi Amponsah, stated.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, May 29, 2023, Mr Amponsah said that they are setting up a committee to evaluate other works by its members available on the market and in classrooms.