We need clarity on CSE

The move to introduce the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) as part of the new educational curriculum has generated so much anxiety in the country.

Suspicion and criticism among the public, including even those who are key stakeholders, are creating uncertainty over the CSE.

Key stakeholders, such as the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the Coalition of Concerned Teachers, Ghana (CCT-Ghana), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, some Muslim groups, among others, seem to be in the dark as far as the implementation of the policy is concerned.

This is where the Daily Graphic believes there is the need for some clarity on the rolling out of the CSE.

It is our considered view that the developers, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), the implementers, the GES and its oversight institution, the Ministry of Education, must be forthcoming with the needed information to calm down nerves and give people the reassurance that the CSE is not coming to shred our long-cherished values and morals.

For some years now, basic education curriculum of the country has not seen such revision until the beginning of this academic year. That is the more reason care ought to be taken in the mass education of the policy, as well as its implementation.

For us, we are convinced that Ghanaians need clarity on this national issue, especially as there is so much information or misinformation thrown out there, while the management of education remains mute.

The GES must move quickly to assure all Ghanaians of the rationale behind the introduction of the CSE and disabuse the minds of many Ghanaians of the negative impression they may have about the CSE.

The seeming silence of the GES and other managers of education, we believe, is rather giving currency to what is being circulated and rumoured as the Gospel truth.

We are aware that the general negative reaction is largely based on the outcomes of the implementation of the CSE in countries such as South Africa, the USA and Canada, where it is said children have the right to determine whether they should be males or females.

We equally understand the strong reaction from the populace because the sexual rights of children are culturally, religiously, socially, legally and morally alien to Ghana, and should be jealously guarded.

The Minister of Education Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, is reported as explaining to some stakeholders, such as faith-based institutions, that Ghana’s model of the CSE to be implemented will be different from what is done in other countries.

We do not have any cause to doubt the minister, but we believe that he owes Ghanaians the duty to come out clear and tell us what the policy document is, such that when there is a deviation, we can hold him to account.

The managers of education in the country must understand and appreciate the concerns of the public because our culture frowns on exposing children to sex at the tender age of six, by which time many children will be in Primary One. So in trying to replicate something that works in other countries, we must be careful and tread cautiously, taking into account our cultural sensitivity and moral upbringing.

From the general outcry and protest against the intended introduction of the CSE, the Daily Graphic believes it is not too late to go back to the drawing board with all the relevant stakeholders to discuss the policy and get the buy-in and consent of all of them for a successful rollout.

We believe that anything short of this will be met with stiff resistance from those who are supposed to help the government to implement such a policy.

The policy may be laudable, but it definitely needs clarity to get the buy-in of many Ghanaians.

The earlier the GES comes out to explain and give assurance, the better. A stitch in time, they say, saves nine.