By Daniel Agbesi Latsu
Kadjebi (O/R), Oct. 29, GNA – Residents of Kadjebi in the Oti Region have expressed mixed reactions to the recent haircut directive for Senior High School (SHS) fresh students.
While some view it as a measure to promote discipline and uniformity, others consider it outdated and inconsistent with modern educational principles.
The directive, which requires all fresh students—particularly boys—to trim their hair before admission, has stirred discussions among parents, educationists, and community members.
A management member of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Kadjebi, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on condition of anonymity, said the policy is a long-standing practice aimed at grooming students and maintaining discipline in schools.
He explained that neatness and discipline remain core values of the educational system, noting that, “students who keep overgrown hair are sometimes perceived as unruly or disobedient, and this affects their general comportment.”
According to him, maintaining a uniform appearance among students helps minimize social comparisons and distractions that may arise from varied hairstyles, thereby promoting focus and equality in the classroom.
However, not everyone agrees with this stance.
Mr. Franck Hams, a resident of Cocoa Market in Kadjebi, strongly criticised the haircut directive, describing it as unnecessary and misplaced.
He argued that a student’s hairstyle has little or no bearing on their morality or academic performance.
“Whether a person is good or bad does not depend on the kind of hair they have,” he said.
“What really matters are the quality of education and how well teachers are supported to deliver,” he added
He emphasised that students with dreadlocks or other hairstyles are human beings whose rights must be respected.
Mr. Hams urged educational authorities to focus on improving teaching and learning conditions rather than enforcing rules on haircuts.
Several other residents also expressed varied opinions. While some parents supported the directive as a way to instill discipline, others argued that such rules belong to an era when conformity outweighed creativity and self-expression.
As the debate continues, many are calling on the GES to review traditional school regulations to ensure they reflect modern educational values and respect for human rights.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah