The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has openly challenged Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also known as NAPO, to substantiate his claims regarding a pro-LGBTQ curriculum allegedly prepared by Ablakwa during his tenure.
The challenge follows accusations made by Dr. Prempeh during a campaign rally in Bantama, Kumasi, on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ablakwa dismissed NAPO’s assertions as “desperate concoctions and outright falsehoods,” daring him to present evidence.
“When you say a prayer, please say one for Napo. He really needs help. I challenge him to produce the pro-LGBTQ curriculum he claims I prepared,” Ablakwa wrote. He also demanded proof of the alleged involvement of religious leaders in promoting the curriculum, stating, “I also challenge him to provide the names of pastors and imams who went round the country with me promoting LGBTQ.”
Earlier, NAPO, the running mate for the NPP flagbearer, had claimed that when he assumed office as Education Minister, he discovered that under the leadership of Okudzeto Ablakwa, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had developed a curriculum that included Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) aimed at school children.
He further alleged that the NDC administration had recruited pastors and imams to influence teachers in various regions to implement this curriculum.
According to NAPO, the CSE was an attempt to introduce concepts of sexuality that were not aligned with Ghanaian cultural and religious values.
He highlighted the ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) commitment to safeguarding educational content and ensuring that such a curriculum does not influence the nation’s youth.
“Under the NPP, we are determined to protect what Ghanaian children are taught. We will not allow any foreign agenda into our classrooms,” NAPO stated during his address.
Background on Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)
Comprehensive Sexuality Education is a curriculum-based initiative designed to address the cognitive, emotional, physical, and social aspects of sexuality.
Although intended to inform young people about sexual health, CSE has faced significant pushback due to its perceived introduction of sensitive topics to children at an early age. Critics, including many parents, teachers, and religious leaders, have raised concerns about the appropriateness of the curriculum.