CSE programme should begin at JHS 1 - PTA

The National Council of the Parent Teacher Association, PTA says the best approach in the introduction of sexual education should begin from Junior High School, JHS 1.

According to the Association, people can take advantage of the children during the Comprehensive Sexual Education lessons at that tender age.

This comes in the wake of numerous speculations that the Ghana Education Service (GES) was set to introduce a  Comprehensive Sexual Education in the new basic school curriculum.

The Comprehensive Sexual Education was expected to be introduced in basic schools with the aim of equipping pupils to know and experience their sexuality. This means that at age six, Primary one pupils will be introduced to values and societal norms and how to interact with the different sexes and groups.

Speaking to Starr FM, the President of the National Council of PTA, Mr Alexander Danso stated that children must be matured before communicating sexual related issues to them:

''If it is 4 years what are you going to teach the child? Even if it is 6 years. People will take advantage of the child and do many things so the best stage is when they have entered JHS 1 they will be matured enough to know everything but 4,6 years I don't think it's proper. For KG with a 4-year-old and 6 year old, what are you going to teach the child?''.

However, earlier today, the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu called on the GES to embark on broader consultation on the matter before any attempt at implementation.

He categorically stated that Islamic teachings do not hold for the introduction of sex education to children below age 10 and appealed to GES and Education Ministry ''to drop that satanic agenda'' in the interest of national cohesion and moral promotion.

READ ALSO:CSE will impact children to make right choices - NPC

Meanwhile, the Education Minister has clarified that the approved curriculum framework for basic schools does not include Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE).

Addressing the media in Accra today, the Education Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, noted that “no teacher was trained on Comprehensive Sexuality Education.”

“The curriculum that has been developed out of the framework for use by the Ghana Education Service in all public schools and approved by cabinet and as published does not include comprehensive sexuality education. NACA has not approved any material on Comprehensive Sexuality Education as it is not included in the published curriculum framework,” the Minister noted