The Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare, has encouraged parents and students to take legal action if they believe they have been unfairly treated under the Education Ministry’s directive on student hairstyles.
His comments come after Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu instructed the Ghana Education Service (GES) and heads of second-cycle institutions to fully enforce grooming regulations — a position he justified by arguing that schools are responsible for moulding character, not hosting beauty contests.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom with Charles Owusu Kumi on Sunday, October 26, Mr. Asare acknowledged the importance of discipline and uniformity in schools. However, he stressed that such enforcement must align with the constitutional rights of students.
“If anyone feels unfairly treated, they have the right to engage the law. Society evolves, and so must the law,” he said.
Citing precedent
Mr. Asare referenced the landmark 2021 case of Achimota School and student Tyrone Iras Marhguy, whose dreadlocks — linked to his Rastafarian faith — initially cost him admission.
“The court ruled that schools may regulate appearance, including hairstyles, but such rules must not infringe on the right to religion and cultural expression,” he explained.
According to him, the ruling set a clear standard: hairstyle regulations cannot be arbitrary or discriminatory.
Call for balance in discipline
Mr. Asare emphasised that Ghana’s education reforms must safeguard both discipline and dignity. He said any disciplinary rules that appear to stigmatise certain cultural or religious identity markers must be subjected to legal scrutiny.
He advised parents and students to defend their rights within lawful channels while encouraging school authorities to enforce rules with fairness and respect.
