The Ghana National Association of Authors and Publishers have rendered an unqualified apology to the general public, especially,parents and NaCCA over the publication of a history textbook for basic schools which intended teaching anti-Christian content to pupils.
According to the association, they would from now on ensure that a committee is put up to see to it that contents of all textbooks are well scrutinized to avoid publishing topics that could cause problems for pupils to protect the image and professionalism of writing and book development in Ghana.
Mr. John Akwasi Amponsah, National President of the association at a press conference stated that, the members can not seat unconcerned but would not judge who is wrong or right but to rendered an unqualified apology for any inconvenient it may caused.
The book, History of Ghana for Basic Schools, Learner’s Book 4, is reported to have listed disadvantages of Christianity, which he said the Deputy Education Minister Ntim Fordjour condemned and described it as obnoxious.
The book authored by one Francis Benjamin Appiah and Henry David Appiah of Excellent Publication and Stationery Ltd sparked controversy on social media after the writers said to have claimed religion is a major cause of conflict globally.
The authors stated among other disadvantages of religion said Christianity has led to increase in poverty in the country.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) in response to the book said the version cited is not what they approved.
Meanwhile the President of Ghana National Association of Authors and Publishers, stressed that, they have accepted all concerns raised by the public and would therefore work on it accordingly.
He insisted that, the Association accept the criticisms in good faith, and render unqualified apology to the Ministry of Education, NaCCA, the Christian Council, Nananom and any Ghanaian who find the statements in the book as obnoxious.
He disclosed that, for many years, Ghanaians have had confidence in textbooks developers and have found their works useful, and for that matter, pleaded with the people of Ghana and all stakeholders to continue to have the confidence in their products and services.
Source: Ayisah Foster/The Punch Newspaper
