The Ghana National Association of Authors and Publishers has apologised over a contentious history textbook for schools, which attempted to explain activities of Christian missionaries in the country.
The book titled History of Ghana for Basic Schools, Learners Book 4, states that the existence of religion, particularly Christianity, was the cause of doctrinal conflicts and increased poverty in Ghana.
Parents and other stakeholders condemned the content of the book, saying it allegedly denigrated Christianity.
The country’s deputy education minister, Ntim Fordjour, described the book as “obnoxious”, saying its content was appalling and misconceived.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (Nacca) has since demanded the immediate recall of the book from the market.
Authors and publishers on Monday apologised for the error and said they would set up a committee to assess all other books in schools published by its members.
“We are here to render apologies in our bid to protect the image and professionalism of writing and book development in Ghana,” the association’s president John Akwasi Amponsah said.