Education Ministry reaffirms ban on long and fancy hairstyles for SHS girls

Hashmin Mohammed, spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, has reiterated the ministry’s stance on the ban of long and elaborate hairstyles for girls in public Senior High Schools (SHS), affirming that the rules remain in full effect.

His comments follow recent public discussions sparked by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu on whether SHS students should be allowed to grow long hair, particularly natural styles.

Speaking at Mawuli Senior High School’s 75th anniversary in the Volta Region on October 25, the minister stated that long hair would not be tolerated, emphasising that secondary schools are meant for learning, not beauty contests.

In an interview on Morning Starr with Joshua Kodjo Mensah on Monday, October 27, Mohammed underscored that the ministry was simply enforcing existing regulations.

“Every society operates under its own established set of rules, and we at GES operate under our own rules and regulations,” he said.

He added that adherence to the new hair policy is part of broader efforts to maintain discipline and proper conduct among SHS students.

Describing senior high schools as “citadels for moulding character,” Mohammed stressed that discipline extends beyond academics.

He explained that the hair policy did not originate solely from the ministry, but emerged from proposals by school administrators across the country seeking uniformity.

“Personally, I see nothing wrong with school administrators calling for uniformity… and the requirement for how students must style their hair,” he said.

While affirming the rules, Mohammed clarified that exceptions would be considered for legitimate reasons.

“Every rule allows for exceptions,” he noted.

According to him, students with medical conditions or extraordinary circumstances could have their cases reviewed by school administrators.

He concluded by revealing that detailed guidelines specifying acceptable hairstyles and conditions for exceptions will soon be implemented across all educational boards.