The National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (NCPTAs) has expressed its wholehearted support to the Minister of Education’s directive to the Ghana Education Service (G(S) to enforce the code of conduct for students at the Pre-tertiary level of education, particularly regarding improper dressing.
This is contained in a press release dated October 27.
“As representatives of parents and guardians across Ghana, we believe this measure is vital for fostering an environment conducive to learning, discipline, and respect for the educational process,” The General Secretary, Raphael Kofi Gapson wrote.
He noted that “The 1992 Constitution of Ghana underscores the importance of education (Article 25) and the state’s duty to provide educational facilities (Article 38). Implicit in these provisions is the expectation that educational environments will uphold standards of promoting dignity, discipline, and focus on academic pursuits.”
The Minister of Education, speaking at the 75th Anniversary celebration of Mawuli Senior High School in Ho on Saturday, October 25, urged the Ghana Education Service (GES) and school heads to take full control of student behavior on campus.
His comments directly addressed the growing public debate over allowing female students to keep long hair.
“There is an ongoing debate in social media about haircuts—size and length of hairs in secondary schools; we will not tolerate it today, we will not tolerate it tomorrow so long as we are moulding character,” he warned.
According to Mr Gapson, “Parents entrust schools with not only academic education but also character development which includes proper dress codes by students such as neatly and well prescribed attire and footwear always, decent haircuts as prescribed by school authorities. Such haircuts should be clean, neat and modest and should avoid extremes in styles and colours.”
“Whereas, proper dressing contributes to a focused and respectful atmosphere conducive to effective teaching, learning, Character formation and preparing the students for the world of work, Improper dressing on the other hand makes a student indiscipline, affecting decency and order in all spheres of life and making them,” he added.
The General Secretary further explained the rationale for the directive as follows:
1. Promoting Discipline: Dress codes are part of broader efforts to cultivate discipline essential for academic success and personal growth.
2 Reducing Distractions: Appropriate attire minimizes distractions, fostering an environment focused on learning
3. Equality and Inclusivity: Sensitively crafted dress codes can promote unity and reduce socioeconomic disparities highlighted by varied clothing choices.
4 Preparation for Societal Norms: Schools play a role in preparing students for professional and societal expectations regarding dress and conduct
