Edem Agbana criticises UPSA over ban on nose rings, anklets, and other accessories

Member of Parliament for Ketu North and a member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education, Eric Edem Agbana, has strongly opposed the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA)’s decision to ban students from wearing nose rings, anklets, and similar accessories on campus.

In a post shared on his X account on Wednesday, July 2, the MP described the directive as an "overreach" and called on the university to reconsider the scope of the policy.

“I understand the importance of instilling discipline and upholding codes of conduct in our educational institutions. However, banning nose rings, anklets, and similar forms of personal expression at the tertiary level is an overreach,” Agbana stated.

He argued that while maintaining a minimal and generally accepted standard of dressing is important, such bans are excessive and infringe on students’ right to personal expression.

“If we do not nip such directives in the bud, an institution may wake up tomorrow and declare that students with tattoos, or anything similar, are not welcome,” he warned.

The former student leader emphasised his consistent stance, stating, “As a former student leader, I would not have accepted such a measure. As a Member of Parliament and a member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education, I do not accept it now.”

The UPSA directive is reportedly aimed at promoting discipline and decency among students.

However, its implementation has sparked debates on social media, with many questioning its appropriateness for a tertiary-level institution.

As of now, UPSA is yet to issue an official response to the growing public criticism.

AS/VPO

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