Stereotyping of any ethnic group, even in jest must stop – Ursula Owusu-Ekuful

Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has advised Ghanaians against stereotyping any ethnic group in the country.

In a Facebook post, she asked for unity in the country and for the diverse cultures in the country to be upheld and protected.

“We must be proud of our country, protect and defend our diverse cultures and traditions and uphold the dignity of all Ghanaians, regardless of where they come from”.

“We are one nation under God, one people with a common destiny. We are all beautiful Children of Mother Ghana and must be proud of our unity in diversity,” the Communications Minister wrote.

Her comment comes in the wake of Badu Nkansah Publication’s ‘History of Ghana’ textbook for Class 3, which has generated an uproar amongst Ghanaians for describing the Ewe ethnic group derogatorily.

Many individuals and notable groups including the Volta Regional House of Chiefs have described the book as “distasteful, offensive, divisive and incendiary.”

The publishers have since apologised for its ‘offensive description’ of Ewes in the publication. However, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful stated that regardless of the apology, steps should be taken to sanction Badu Nkansah.

“Textbooks are used to educate and not to indoctrinate or corrupt our impressionable youth. They must be accurate and factual”.

She said that many people like herself identify with many of these ethnic groups adding that it is unfair some of them are unfairly stereotyped.

“I identify with any group which is unfairly stereotyped or stigmatised as the blood of all ethnic groups in Ghana runs through my veins.”

“Through intermarriage and multiple relationships, the ties that bind us together far outnumber those that divide us”.