A viral haircut video has reignited Ghana’s long-running debate over whether senior high students should be allowed to wear their natural hair.

• Viral video of a student forced to cut her hair sparked debate on SHS hairstyle rules.

• Girl’s father condemned the barber for posting the video without consent.

• Education Minister reaffirmed that schools will not permit long hair.

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The conversation started after a video surfaced online last week showing a first-year girl in tears as her hair was being trimmed at a barbershop before beginning school at Yaa Asantewaa Senior High in Tanoso, Kumasi.

In the footage, she appeared in the school’s uniform, visibly upset about losing her hair.

The girl’s mother took her to the barber after years of allowing her to keep her long natural hair.

The barber recorded the haircut, showing how she looked before and after, and later uploaded the video online.

That post quickly brought back the long-standing discussion about student hairstyles in senior high schools, spreading widely across social media, radio, and TV.

According to Graphic Online, the girl’s father later confronted the barber, criticizing him for filming and sharing the video without permission and warning that he might take legal action.

A similar controversy occurred in 2021 at Achimota School in Accra, when the issue of students wearing dreadlocks sparked nationwide debate.

Haruna Iddrisu’s Reaction

During the Mawuli School anniversary on Saturday—attended by the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service—Mr. Haruna Iddrisu addressed the issue directly.

He noted that the discussion over hair length and style in high schools had gained attention but stressed that such practices would not be accepted now or in the future, as schools are meant to shape discipline and character.

He cautioned that allowing leniency with hair could lead to further challenges, such as disputes over footwear or uniforms.

Mr. Iddrisu urged school heads and the GES to firmly maintain order and ensure students follow institutional rules.

He added that schools are centers of learning, not fashion platforms, and therefore students should not treat them as venues for beauty displays.

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