By Grace Zigah
The debate over hair grooming policies in the Senior High Schools (SHS) has resurfaced, igniting a wave of public commentary from political figures, educators, and celebrities.
The controversy follows a viral video showing a young girl in tears as her hair was shaved off before being admitted into a public secondary school — a scene that has since triggered national outrage and divided opinion over whether such disciplinary measures remain relevant in modern education.
Former Member of Parliament for Kumbungu, Ras Mubarak, has sharply criticized the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu for its renewed enforcement of the “short hair policy.”
He questioned the rationale behind associating short hair with discipline or moral development, suggesting that the government’s priorities in education were misplaced.
“How does keeping kids’ hair short stop them from growing to be double-salary takers or corrupt politicians?” Ras Mubarak quizzed in a Facebook post, drawing attention to the moral and civic decay within public institutions with former ministers allegedly pocketing double salaries.
He argued that instead of focusing on outward appearances, the Education Ministry should channel its efforts into improving the quality of teaching, teacher welfare, and student engagement in civic education, science, and mathematics.
He urged policymakers to reintroduce civics and patriotism-based programs in schools, establish teacher supervision systems in rural communities, and create safer, more conducive learning environments.
“Substance over perfunctory gestures,” he emphasized, adding that Ghana’s education system must focus on character development through critical thinking and national service, not hairstyles.
The debate gained further momentum when veteran Ghanaian actor Oscar Provençal, known for his role in the popular TV series Inspector Bediako, weighed in on the issue.
Speaking on GTV’s Breakfast Show on Monday, October 27, 2025, Provençal dismissed the notion that a student’s hairstyle correlates with their intelligence or academic performance.
“Hair does not determine how intelligent you are,” Provençal said, adding that schools should instead address more pressing issues such as student safety, nutrition, and the increasing use of mobile phones in schools.
He lamented the nation’s obsession with trivial matters at the expense of real educational challenges.
“Why are we discussing hair when there are more important issues to be discussed in this country?” he asked pointedly.
The Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, had earlier defended the policy at the 75th anniversary celebration of Mawuli Senior High School, stating that maintaining neat, short hair was part of instilling discipline and proper grooming in students.
He argued that “schools are not beauty contests,” emphasizing that the policy is in line with promoting uniformity and discipline in public education.
However, the minister’s statement appears to have deepened the divide between policymakers and sections of the public who view such regulations as outdated remnants of colonial-era education systems.
Critics argue that in an era focused on innovation and creativity, the educational framework should encourage individuality, self-expression, and modern learning values rather than superficial conformity.
