Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has issued a firm directive to the Ghana Education Service (GES) and heads of second-cycle institutions to enforce discipline and uphold student grooming standards on school campuses.
Speaking at the 75th Anniversary celebration of Mawuli School, the Minister addressed the ongoing public debate surrounding students’ hairstyles and general appearance in schools. He stressed that the purpose of schools is to shape character and not to serve as platforms for fashion trends or beauty displays.
“There is an ongoing debate on social media about haircuts and the length of hair in secondary schools. We will not tolerate it today or tomorrow, as long as our mandate is to mould character. If we give in on hair today, tomorrow it will be about shoes, and the next day about dressing,” he said.
The Minister emphasised that headteachers and the GES are fully empowered to enforce rules that promote discipline and acceptable conduct on their campuses.
“Anyone who thinks their child will walk into a school as though attending a beauty contest should know that schools are not meant for that purpose, and we will not tolerate it,” he added.
However, he cautioned that the enforcement of rules must be carried out fairly and professionally. He warned that any teacher who abuses learners or uses disciplinary measures unlawfully will face sanctions.
“We will not tolerate indiscipline in our schools, including situations where teachers abuse students. Any teacher found taking advantage of a student will be strictly dealt with,” he noted.
