Former National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Kumbungu, Ras Mubarak, has criticised the Education Minister’s directive banning long hair and elaborate hairstyles in schools, arguing that such policies miss the essence of shaping responsible citizens.
In a social media post on Sunday (26 October) Mubarak questioned the logic behind the directive, saying grooming restrictions have little to do with addressing corruption or poor values among Ghana’s youth.
“How does keeping kids’ hair short stop them from growing to be double-salary takers or corrupt politicians?” he asked.
“Schools should be focusing on civics, patriotism, and community service — that’s a more effective way to shape students’ values and behaviours.”
The Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu’s statement on Saturday empowered the Ghana Education Service (GES) and headmasters to strictly enforce grooming standards, insisting that “schools exist to mould character, not host beauty contests.”
Mubarak, however, said the real problem lay in the lack of accountability and moral leadership within the public service.
“Are we all not sickened by the nauseating corruption, lack of accountability and the complete breakdown of patriotism?” he said.
He called on the Ministry of Education to prioritise what he described as “substantive reforms” — including promoting science and mathematics through competitions and awards, improving teacher welfare, ensuring proper supervision in rural schools, and enhancing civics education.
“That’s what moulds kids into responsible and successful adults — substance over perfunctory gestures in our educational system,” Mubarak said.
