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Elikem Kotoko backs education minister on hairstyle rules in schools
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 Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, has disclosed that poor coordination and weak communication among security agencies contributed significantly to the violence recorded during the 2020 and 2024 general elections.
In his address on the findings of the Election-Related Violence Report, the Minister said the task force that investigated the incidents discovered that the lack of proper coordination between security institutions often led to confusion on the ground, resulting in clashes and excessive use of force in some areas.
Mr. Muntaka explained that in several instances, security agencies operated without clear communication channels, which created gaps in response and accountability. This, he said, made it difficult to control situations that later turned violent.
He emphasised that the report had recommended stronger collaboration and improved coordination mechanisms among the various security agencies to ensure effective communication and joint planning during future elections.
The Minister further noted that the report has been submitted to the Attorney General’s Department for legal advice and for determining appropriate compensation for victims and families affected by the violence.
He assured that the government is committed to implementing the task force’s recommendations to strengthen inter-agency coordination, enhance professionalism, and maintain peace and order in future electoral processes.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has announced that all mobile loan applications and digital credit service providers currently operating in the country without a license must regularize their operations by June 30, 2026.
In a public notice issued on October 31, 2025, the central bank said it will begin accepting applications from companies seeking to operate as Digital Credit Services Providers starting November 3, 2025.
The Bank explained that all entities offering digital loans or credit services must submit the required documents and meet the licensing requirements before the deadline.
It warned that any company that fails to comply with the directive will face regulatory action.
The Bank of Ghana urged operators and the public to contact its FinTech and Innovation Office in Accra for details on the licensing process or visit its official website, www.bog.gov.gh
By: Jacob Aggrey
