The group representing authors and publishers in Ghana has announced that it will form a committee to examine all books written by its members before they are published for public use.
The Ghana National Association of Authors and Publishers (GNAAP) says this move is aimed at avoiding situations where members produce textbooks that offend others and cause potential unrest.
The group came under fire last week when a history book for basic schools published by one of its members, Excellence publication and Stationary Limited, portrayed Christianity in a negative light.
The deputy minister of Education, John Ntim Fordjour, slammed the publication as abhorrent and misguided in a tweet.
The GNAAP apologized to the public on behalf of their member for the mistake at a press conference in Kumasi.
“We acknowledge that the message and the way it was expressed was not suitable for the learners it was intended for.
We accept the feedback from all stakeholders in good faith and offer our sincere apology to the Ministry of Education, National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, Students, Christian Council of Ghana, and everyone who was offended by the statement”, said John Akwasi Amponsah, President of GNAAP.
The GNAAP also plans to introduce an internal assessment committee to ensure that textbooks meet standards, curriculum, and best international practices.
