Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, the former Minister of Education, has recently made serious allegations against the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), claiming they attempted to introduce content related to homosexuality in the basic school curriculum during their tenure in power. Speaking at the culmination of the ‘Bantama Big Walk 2024’ event for supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Opoku Prempeh, often referred to as NAPO, specifically accused Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who served as the former Deputy Minister of Tertiary Education, of spearheading this effort. He stated that while reviewing the transition documents from the previous Education Minister, he came across proposals for a new curriculum that allegedly included lessons on same-gender sexual activities aimed at school children.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s claims include a detailed assertion that significant figures within the NDC, including Okudzeto Ablakwa, were central to the developmental plans that sought to teach such sensitive content to the youth. This initiative, as NAPO describes, involved an organized strategy to normalize LGBTQ+ topics among school-aged children, which they contend was both shocking and inappropriate for the educational context in Ghana. The implications of these claims point to broader cultural tensions regarding LGBTQ+ rights and education in a nation where such topics are often heavily controversial and sensitive.
Moreover, NAPO accused the NDC of enlisting various religious leaders, including Islamic imams and Christian pastors, to lend credibility to their alleged LGBTQ+ advocacy efforts within academic institutions. He asserted that these community figures traveled with educators to promote discussions about homosexuality, reportedly introducing concepts like how same-sex interactions were conducted. This, according to Dr. Opoku Prempeh, included the inappropriate teaching of various sexual practices, raising alarms about the degree of indoctrination they purportedly aimed to effectuate in schools.
The former Minister’s assertion points to a significant cultural clash within Ghana’s socio-political landscape: the tension between modern educational reforms and traditional values. Dr. Opoku Prempeh contends that such initiatives contributed to the downfall of former President John Mahama in the 2016 elections, suggesting that the public backlash against perceived liberal policies would have dire electoral consequences. His comments resonate with many Ghanaians who uphold conservative views on family and morality, amplifying the sentiment that introducing LGBTQ+ content into the curriculum would encounter widespread resistance.
Additionally, NAPO’s allegations highlight the growing divide between the ruling party and the opposition regarding educational policies and societal values in Ghana. The NPP has firmly positioned itself as the guardian of traditional Ghanaian values, distancing itself from any association with policies perceived to infringe upon societal norms. This framing not only serves to galvanize political support among conservatives but also reflects a broader struggle over identity and national values within the country’s political discourse.
In conclusion, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh’s allegations against the NDC raise significant questions about the direction of educational policies in Ghana and their alignment with cultural and moral values held by many citizens. His claims of an attempted introduction of LGBTQ+ content into the school curriculum under the previous administration highlight the tensions between progressive educational reforms and traditional Ghanaian values. As the political landscape continues to evolve, these discussions will likely remain at the forefront, influencing electoral outcomes and societal attitudes towards education and morality in Ghana.
