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Elikem Kotoko backs education minister on hairstyle rules in schools
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Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, has thrown his support behind the Education Minister’s stance on maintaining hairstyle rules in Senior High Schools, describing such measures as necessary for instilling discipline in students.
According to Mr. Kotoko, rules on hairstyles and appearance are not meant to suppress students’ rights but to help shape their character and prepare them for the future.
“I find absolutely nothing wrong with children being disciplined at this age. If today we say students cannot trim their hair, tomorrow we will say they can grow their nails, and then later we will question why we wear uniforms. The purpose of all these rules is to instill discipline not to enslave them,” he said.
Mr. Kotoko argued that allowing unrestricted hairstyles could lead to a breakdown of order in schools.
He said that structure and uniformity in grooming help students learn respect for rules and authority, values that are essential in nation-building.
He shared a personal experience with his daughter, explaining how he guided her to understand the importance of adhering to school grooming rules.
“My daughter, Etonam, once wanted to keep her natural hair, but I had to explain that these rules are not new. They’ve been there for years to ensure discipline,” he added.
Reacting to public criticism of the policy, Mr. Kotoko questioned those opposing the regulations, including individuals advocating for what they call “free hair” in schools.
He described such campaigns as misplaced and unnecessary.
“I find it worrying that hairstyle rules have become a national debate. It has no basis in our education system. The purpose of basic and secondary education is not only to teach but also to instill discipline,” he said.
He added that maintaining long or styled hair would also be impractical for students, as it requires frequent salon visits and the use of chemicals, which could be disruptive to academic life.
Mr. Kotoko concluded by emphasizing that discipline forms a core part of Ghana’s educational system and should not be compromised in the name of freedom. “Any parent who forgets that education is also meant to teach discipline is losing focus,” he stated.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested former professional boxer Michael Ayitey Okai, popularly known as “Ayitey Powers,” over an alleged threat of death against the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo.
According to the Police, the 46-year-old former boxer was arrested on Monday, August 24, 2026, in connection with the alleged threat.
The Police said the arrest followed a video circulating on social media in which Ayitey Powers is alleged to have issued the threat against Mr Ampofo.
He is currently in Police custody and is assisting with investigations.
The Accra Regional Police Command said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged threat and determine the appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the law.
The Command has urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information about the matter while the investigation continues.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Minority Leader in Parliament Alexander Afenyo Markin has sued the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, and Multimedia Group Limited over alleged defamatory comments made against him on the Newsfile programme.
In a writ filed at the High Court in Accra, Mr Afenyo Markin is seeking GH¢15 million in damages, an apology and retraction of the statements, among other reliefs.
The suit follows comments allegedly made by Mr Gyamfi during the Saturday, August 22, 2026 edition of Newsfile, hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini.
According to the statement of claim, Mr Gyamfi described Mr Afenyo Markin as an “extortionist” while responding to a question about GoldBod’s reported profits and its position on losses arising from its operations.
The plaintiff claims that Mr Gyamfi repeated the allegation when the host sought clarification on whether he stood by the description.
Mr Afenyo Markin further claims that Mr Gyamfi challenged him to sue him and insisted that the allegation was true.
The plaintiff argues that the statements created the impression that he engages in extortion, uses his political influence to put improper pressure on public institutions and officials, and conducts himself in a manner inconsistent with the standards expected of a lawyer and public office holder.
He denies the allegations and maintains that he is not an extortionist and has never engaged in the conduct alleged by Mr Gyamfi.
The Minority Leader also argues that the comments were made maliciously and were presented as facts without evidence being disclosed.
He claims the statements have damaged his reputation, professional standing and public image, particularly because of his position as a senior political figure and legal practitioner.
The suit also names Multimedia Group Limited as a defendant because, according to the plaintiff, the alleged defamatory comments were broadcast through JoyNews and subsequently circulated on social media platforms, including X, Facebook and YouTube.
Mr Afenyo Markin claims Multimedia failed to stop the comments or deactivate Mr Gyamfi’s microphone after the allegations were made.
He is therefore asking the court to award him general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as GH¢15 million in compensation and legal costs.
He is also seeking an order compelling the defendants to issue a full, unconditional and unequivocal retraction and public apology.
The plaintiff wants the apology and retraction to be given similar prominence and reach as the original publication, including through JoyNews and the social media platforms where the comments were disseminated.
He is further seeking a permanent injunction preventing the defendants from repeating the alleged defamatory statements or words with a similar meaning.
The writ requires the defendants to enter an appearance within eight days after being served.
It warns that failure to do so could result in judgment being entered in their absence.
The case was filed by lawyer Paa Kwesi Abaidoo of Dehyena Chambers on behalf of Mr Afenyo Markin.
By: Jacob Aggrey
