The controversial science textbook for primary one pupils “Natural Science for Primary Schools” was approved by the Ghana Education Service (GES) as a recommended material for teaching and learning, it has been revesaled.
The book, authored and published by Professor Albert Joseph Quarm, sparked a lot of debate in the public when it came out that the author had attributed the function of the head to “carrying load”.
The Ministry of Education Monday dissociated itself and the GES from the authorisation of the book to be used as a teaching material.
According to the Ministry, the approved textbook for primary 1 is “Natural Science for Primary Schools: Activity-Based Pupils’ Book 1” jointly authored by Peter Asiedu, Henric Atta Baa-Yeboah and Ebenezer Agyiri Domptey.
But a letter released by letter of assessment of Prof Quarm’s book indicates that the GES recommended his book as a supplementary material for teaching and learning in schools.
The letter, dated November 30, 2011, said “The above-named books which were submitted to the textbook and educational committee (TEEC) through the Curriculum Research and Development Division (CRDD) of the Ghana Education Service have been assessed. Decision: The books are recommended as supplementary materials or the teaching and learning of Natural Science at the Lower Primary and Colleges of Education.”