There have been public uproar with regards to two new textbooks which have some chapters describing Ewes as inward-looking circulating in the media as materials for use in schools.
One of the publishers of the controversial textbooks, Badu Nkansah has rendered an unqualified apology for the offensive publications.
In a statement released by his publication firm, indicated that the ‘History of Ghana Textbook 3’ which was published based on the new curriculum by NACCA, when submitted for assessment, received responses from NACCA raising concerns with certain portions of the book.
“They, however, told us to work on certain aspects of the book further in order for it to meet the expectations of the new curriculum,” Badu Nkansah explained in a press statement
According to him, a limited quantity of the unpublished draft found its way onto the market whilst undergoing review.
“We have seen certain snapshots on social media which has generated public uproar due to its offensive tone. Though it is not a deliberate attempt to berate such a huge section of our society, we wish to unreservedly apologise for the slip,” the statement read further.
Badu Nkansah noted that his brand stands for national unity therefore they are investigating to ascertain how the draft found its way to the market. “We will make the results of our investigations public when we are done.
The two textbooks are “History of Ghana, for Basic 6″ by Golden Publications, “” by Badu Nkansah Publications and “Golden English Basic 4” by Golden Publications.
Meanwhile, former Deputy Education Minister and Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has filed an urgent parliamentary question requesting the Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum to appear before the House and respond to the two bigoted publications in issue.
“The text of my urgent question is as follows: “To ask the Honourable Minister responsible for Education whether the publications titled: History of Ghana, Text Book 3 by Badu Nkansah Publications authored by Badu Nkansah and Nelly Martinson Anim and Golden English Basic 4 authored by Okyere Baafi Alexander both of which contain bigoted content.”
However, in a release by NaCCA, highlighting its ratings on these books, the Council said:” In each of these books and others discovered on social media, authors make inappropriate references to personalities and ethnic groups which are deemed unfortunate, distasteful and are in contradiction with NaCCA’s Book Submission Guidelines and Approval Methodology which guide the work of publishers and authors.”
NaCCA in its statement reiterated that management has met with the leadership of the Publishing Houses and has asked them to withdraw all the unapproved offending books stated and any other from the market and submit copies for assessment and approval which they have complied with.
Read below Badu Nkansah’s full apology:
