A text book on Social Studies which describes Dagombas as ‘war-like’ people has triggered outrage in Tamale in the Northern Region.

Co-authored by Joseph Kofi Adu Yeboah and Daniel Obiri Yeboah, the book is titled, “Practical Social Studies” and published by Quadron Publishers.

A group calling itself the Northern Social Commentators held a press conference at which it called on the Ghana Education Service to withdraw the book.

Joy FM’s Northern Regional Correspondent, Mahama Shaibu, who sat through the press conference reports that the book was first published in 2008 and is currently being used by Senior High School Students.

He said page 417, paragraph 2, of the book under a sub-heading ‘The Meaning of Culture,’ while describing Dagombas as ‘war-like,’ appeared more charitable to some other ethnic groups describing them as “culturally sensitive, business-like and co-operative and truthful.”

The Northern Social Commentators says the descriptions and juxtaposition was not only offensive but also an insult to Dagombas.

The group contends the contents of the book have the potential to threaten ethnic harmony in the country and must be reviewed or the book must be withdrawn from all book shelves and schools.

Spokesperson for the group Mahama Iddrisu Mairiga also called on the authors to apologise unreservedly to the people of Dagbon.

He warned if something was not done about the book, the group would explore other ways of addressing their concerns.

Mahama Shaibu said Dagomba teachers have vowed not to use the book arguing they cannot teach with a book that insults their ethnic group.


Story by Malik Abass Daabu/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana