Cutting hair symbolizes discipline, respect and adherence to order - says Emmanuel Kwaku Beckman.

Emmanuel Kwaku Beckman, a prominent radio presenter at Cape Coast-based ATL FM, known professionally as Mani Kay, has endorsed the Education Minister's stance on the importance of uniformity and conformity in schools, asserting that such measures epitomize discipline, respect for order, and adherence to structure, values essential to the cohesion of societies and institutions.

In a post shared on his Facebook wall on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, and responding to those who disagreed with Hon Haruna Iddrisu's stance on cutting school girls' hair, Mani Kay argues that wearing clothes, like cutting hair, does not necessarily demonstrate ability and productivity, but are prerequisites for sane coexistence in every society.

"Wearing clothes to work doesn’t automatically prove efficiency or productivity, just as going to the seminary in tattered clothes doesn’t mean one has lost the anointing. Yet, these actions symbolize discipline, respect for order, and adherence to structure - values that hold societies and institutions together,” he underscored.

In drawing a parallel with the ongoing debate, Mr. Buckman posited that those opposing the minister's stance have overlooked the fact that cutting hair at the Senior High School (SHS) level is “not important” and have entirely missed the point. To him, "The issue has never been about the strands of hair themselves but about what those strands represent: discipline, conformity to rules, and commitment to a common identity."

In response to his argument and dismissing calls from those who suggested that certain actions of our country are antiquated, he presented a scenario that, given the current situation, discipline in school is a problem and we cannot permit students to act with impunity. "Let's just say that perhaps going to assembly meetings, prep, dining, and partaking in school activities are all outdated and don't contribute to the brilliance of any girl or boy. Even with set rules, we're seeing some uncertainty, let alone opening the floodgate to all sorts of freedom"

A world without set rules would be a place of chaos. Imagine a school where every student decides what is “important” or “not important” to them. Some may decide uniforms are unnecessary, others may refuse to attend assemblies and some may even disregard academic schedules. Once individual preference replaces institutional order, structure collapses.

Wading into the school rules, Mani Kay asserted that they are not intended to suppress individuals, but rather to train people to become functional members of society. "Rules in schools are not created to suppress individuality but to train students to function effectively within systems, systems they will encounter in workplaces, communities, and even in leadership", he stressed.

He was of the opinion that individuals who fail to adhere to straightforward school regulations regarding appearance would encounter significant difficulties integrating into the broader society. He inquired as to how they would manage greater responsibilities, where obedience, time management, and respect for authority are paramount. He adds that haircutting does not diminish one's intellectual prowess, nor does it render the female child heartless or unintelligent, and that such uproars are unnecessary.

Furthermore, the radio presenter emphasized that haircuts in SHS symbolize equality, unity, and discipline, noting that everyone looks alike, social barriers are blurred, and the focus shifts from appearance to learning and character building. 'It's not about the hair, it's about the heart trained to respect boundaries and appreciate order,' he stated.

Adding his voice to the curtailment of freedom of self-expression, Mani Kay underscored that "Those who trivialize such regulations under the banner of 'freedom' or 'self-expression' forget that true freedom thrives within structure". He affirmed, "Even the most creative minds operate within some form of discipline. The absence of structure is not freedom, it is confusion," he clarified.

In essence, cutting one's hair in SHS is a small test of a larger principle: the ability to submit to rules that foster community and character. The world may dismiss it as minor, but those who understand the value of discipline recognize that greatness is born from the ability to respect even the smallest of rules.

In sum, Mr. Buckman stated, "Minister, I appreciate your position. If you place such a high value on your hair that you cannot cut it, consider attending a school with policies that accommodate your preferences. This should not pose a significant challenge."