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The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has shot down commentaries calling for the admission of long hair in second-cycle institutions across the country. The conversation was sparked by a viral video which captured an emotional first year Yaa Asantewaa Senior High School student’s hair-trimming. As many have called for a review of some of these measures, which have become a prerequisite for admission, others have thrown their support behind the age-old practice. Addressing an event over the weekend, the Minister said there was no intention to outlaw the practice, emphasising that it was part of the nurturing and moulding process for the youth. “There is an ongoing debate on social media about haircuts, size and length of hair in secondary schools. We will not tolerate it today, and we will not tolerate it tomorrow. So long as we are moulding character, if we give in to a haircut today, tomorrow it will be shoes, and the next day it will be the way they dress.” The Minister stated that students would not be allowed to do as they please in educational environments. “Anybody who thinks your child will walk into any institution of learning as if that child was to attend a beauty contest [must know] the school environment is not for that purpose and not cut out for that purpose and will not tolerate that as an institution.” He also noted that head teachers have the full support of the Ministry to enforce the practice without fear. “As part of our disciplinary measures, headmasters and GES are accordingly empowered to take full control of how students behave on your campuses.” Story by Hajara Fuseini
