The President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Rev. Isaac Owusu, has called for a clear legal framework to back the enforcement of the “no long hair” policy in Senior High Schools (SHS) across the country.
Speaking during an education stakeholders’ forum in Accra, Rev. Owusu noted that while discipline and uniformity are key pillars of Ghana’s educational system, enforcement of grooming rules must be supported by law to ensure consistency and fairness across all schools.
“We cannot have some schools enforcing certain standards while others ignore them. If we want our learners to adhere to specific grooming codes, then it must be anchored in regulation — not just tradition,” he stated.
Rev. Owusu emphasised that the debate over students’ hairstyles has become a recurring issue, often sparking controversy and tension between school authorities, parents, and students. He explained that a legal framework would help harmonise school rules and prevent unnecessary conflicts.
He also urged the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Education to consult widely and provide clear guidelines that strike a balance between cultural identity, personal expression, and institutional discipline.
“Our goal is not to stifle individuality, but to maintain order and focus in the learning environment. With proper legal backing, every school will know the boundaries and expectations,” Rev. Owusu added.
The GNAT President reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting discipline, professionalism, and quality education while ensuring that both teachers and students operate within well-defined standards.
