Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has instructed the Ghana Education Service (GES) and heads of senior high schools to rigorously enforce discipline and uphold grooming standards among students.

The directive follows intense public debate after a young girl was reportedly compelled to cut her long hair before being enrolled in school—a requirement based on existing GES regulations. The viral incident reignited discussions about the relevance and fairness of school grooming policies in Ghana.

Speaking at the 75th Anniversary celebration of Mawuli School, Haruna Iddrisu said schools exist primarily to nurture discipline and character, not to serve as platforms for fashion or self-expression.

“There is an ongoing debate on social media about haircuts and hair length in secondary schools. We will not tolerate indiscipline today or tomorrow. Schools exist to mould character, not to host beauty contests,” he stated.

The minister empowered school heads and the GES to take full control of student behaviour, emphasising that discipline in appearance and conduct is vital to maintaining educational standards.

“If we give in to hairstyles today, tomorrow it will be shoes, and next, it will be the way they dress,” he cautioned. “Parents must understand that schools are not beauty contests; they are institutions of learning.”

At the same time, Haruna Iddrisu urged teachers to act with fairness and professionalism when enforcing discipline. He warned that any educator found abusing a student under the guise of maintaining order would face strict sanctions.

“We will not tolerate indiscipline in our schools, including cases where teachers abuse learners,” he said. “Any teacher found taking advantage of a student will face severe punishment.”

The minister’s comments have further fuelled ongoing national discussions about the balance between cultural identity, personal freedom, and institutional discipline in Ghana’s education system.