Naa Momo Lartey, the ministerial nominee for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, has vowed to embed Ghanaian family values into the nation’s educational curriculum as part of her vision to strengthen cultural identity and address pressing social challenges.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Wednesday, January 22, Lartey expressed her dedication to fostering a cultural renaissance through education. She noted that prioritizing Ghanaian family values within the curriculum would provide younger generations with a firm understanding of the societal norms and traditions that define the nation.
“If confirmed, my goal is to ensure that these values are not just taught at home but also reinforced in our schools. By integrating them into our educational system, we can instil a sense of pride and identity in our youth while creating a sustainable framework for understanding and embracing our cherished cultural heritage,” Lartey stated.
She further stressed the importance of education in addressing societal issues, remarking, “Beyond enacting laws, we must embed these values into our curricula so children understand them from the beginning. This approach is far more sustainable than relying solely on enforcement.”
Her comments were made amid heated national debates surrounding the controversial anti-gay legislation, officially known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. This bill, introduced in Parliament in 2021 by a bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Sam George, seeks to criminalize activities that promote or normalize LGBTQ+ lifestyles in Ghana.
The proposed legislation has received strong backing from traditional leaders, religious groups, and a significant portion of the Ghanaian populace, who view it as critical to safeguarding the country’s cultural and moral fabric. However, it has faced sharp criticism from international human rights organizations and foreign governments, who argue it infringes on basic human rights.
Lartey’s pledge to integrate family values into the curriculum has been seen by some as a strategic alignment with the bill’s objectives, while others interpret it as an attempt to strike a balance by addressing these sensitive issues through education rather than punitive measures.
As the vetting process continues, Ghanaians will be watching closely to see how Lartey’s proposals align with the broader national agenda and whether her approach can bridge the gap between preserving cultural values and respecting individual rights.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson
