The ministerial nominee for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Naa Momo Lartey, has committed to integrating Ghanaian family values into the country’s educational curriculum.
During her vetting in Parliament on January 22, Madam Lartey highlighted her dedication to reinforcing cultural values and tackling social issues in Ghana.
She emphasized that, if confirmed, her priority would be to embed appropriate Ghanaian family values into the education system, ensuring that the younger generation develops a solid foundation to understand and uphold societal norms and cultural traditions that are highly valued by Ghanaians.
“Beyond the enactment of the law, we need to integrate it into our curricula so that children will understand these family values from the beginning. I believe this approach is more sustainable than just enforcing laws” she said.
Her comments come amid the ongoing national debates surrounding the controversial anti-gay bill, formally known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.
The bill, introduced in Parliament in 2021 by a group of bipartisan lawmakers led by Sam George, aims to criminalize activities that promote or normalize LGBTQ+ lifestyles in Ghana.
It has sparked significant debate and seeks to impose harsh penalties on individuals or groups advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, as well as those engaging in same-sex relationships.
The bill has garnered widespread support from many Ghanaians, including traditional leaders and religious groups, who view it as crucial to preserving the country’s cultural and moral values.
However, it has also faced strong opposition from international human rights organizations and foreign governments, who condemn it as a violation of basic human rights.