Social media has been abuzz with videos from the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), showing students being turned away from classrooms as early as 7 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2. Some of those affected were reportedly scheduled to write Interim Assessments (IA) and quizzes.
The incident follows UPSA’s decision to strictly enforce its dress code policy amid what authorities describe as a rise in indecent dressing on campus. Banned attire and accessories include unkempt hair, shorts, anklets, nose rings, and other forms of appearance deemed inappropriate for the academic setting.
Originally, the university required students to dress formally only on Mondays. However, a recent directive circulated via email extended the formal dress requirement to Wednesdays as well. The move has been met with resistance from students, many of whom argue that the changes are sudden and inconsistent with past expectations.
A History of Dress Codes in Ghanaian Schools
Strict dress codes are not new in Ghana’s educational landscape. From basic school through to senior high, students have long been expected to adhere to rigid appearance standards: neatly trimmed hair, white socks and black shoes, and standardized uniforms. These rules have historically been seen as part of discipline and decorum.
At the tertiary level, these strict codes are relatively loose. however, some institutions or departments may still require their students to appear in a uniform manner. But as more students push for self-expression and personal identity at the tertiary level, these norms are increasingly being challenged.
The roots of such strict policies in Ghana and similar African contexts can be traced to colonial-era schooling systems, which emphasised uniformity, control, and compliance. Over time, these values merged with deeply held cultural norms that equate proper dressing with moral uprightness, discipline, and academic seriousness. As such, students who deviate from traditional expectations are often seen as rebellious or unserious, regardless of their actual performance or potential.
In Europe and America, universities and colleges typically do not enforce formal dress codes, allowing students to wear casual or creative attires freely. Dreadlocks, dyed hair, piercings, and even visible tattoos are commonly accepted without interference from school authorities.The underlying philosophy is that students’ outward appearance has little to do with their academic ability or integrity. Instead, emphasis is placed on performance, participation, and respect for others.
That being said, there are still limits in many high schools and middle schools in these regions, where basic dress codes exist. Students are not allowed to wear clothing with offensive slogans, promotes violence, or is overly revealing may be prohibited.
Nonetheless, even in such cases, schools must tread carefully because these students are protected under the law, which means schools that attempt to ban religious attire like hijabs, turbans, or dreadlocks risk facing legal consequences.
The Bigger Question: Does Appearance Reflect Intelligence?
The debate over whether appearance should dictate access to education isn’t new. In 2021, the case of Oheneba Nkrabea and Tyron Marghuy made national headlines after Achimota School denied them admission over their refusal to cut their dreadlocks. Despite excelling in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), the students were barred due to the school’s long-standing grooming policies.
The boys, who practice Rastafarianism, argued that their hairstyle was a reflection of their faith. The school, however, stood its ground, insisting it was upholding standards. The case went to court, and in a landmark ruling, an Accra High Court ordered Achimota School to admit the students, citing their constitutional rights to education and religious freedom.
The UPSA controversy echoes similar sentiments. Students argue that university life should come with greater autonomy and liberalism, including the freedom to choose how they present themselves—as long as academic work remains unaffected.
So, Where Do We Draw the Line?
As Ghanaian institutions strive to balance discipline with individual rights, one question remains: should dress codes dictate access to education at the university level? And more importantly, does a student’s outward appearance truly reflect their intellect?
To address these questions meaningfully, there must be a national conversation on modernising dress policies to reflect the diversity, creativity, and evolving identities of young people today. Educational institutions should focus more on academic output, integrity, and discipline of thought, rather than strict conformity in physical appearance.
Moreover, policies affecting students should be developed in consultation with students themselves, ensuring that their voices are part of the decision-making process. Universities, in particular, must foster environments that promote critical thinking, innovation, and inclusivity, not just by curriculum, but in culture.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Education must also review outdated regulations and provide clear, progressive guidelines that protect both institutional values and individual freedoms. Sensitisation and dialogue, rather than punitive enforcement, should be the way forward.
Ultimately, as a country, we must prioritise access to education, encourage diversity of thought and expression, and ensure that no student is denied learning because of how they choose to look—so long as it does not hinder others or disrupt learning. The goal of education is to shape minds, not wardrobes.
This article is by Adwubi Wiafe Akenteng, a Broadcast Journalist with Citi FM and Channel One TV
