Achimota PTA backs school’s decision over dreadlocks brouhaha

The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of Achimota School has thrown its weight behind the school’s decision not to admit students with dreadlocks.

A statement by the association on the unfolding matter said students desirous of attending the prestigious school should be ready to abide by rules and regulations to ensure order and also promote a conducive atmosphere for academic work.

Management of the Achimota School on Thursday turned home the dreadlocked students, insisting the school’s rules would not be compromised for an unjustifiable reason.

ACHIMOTA SCHOOL PTA STATEMENT ON UNFOLDING SAGA

The Achimota school PTA executive unreservedly and unequivocally supports the school’s decision to enforce Its rules with respect to the admission of three students with dreadlocks hairstyle.

According to the school’s revised rules and regulations (August 2020), section H (General Appearance), item 3 states “Students must keep their hair low, simple and natural. (Students’ hair should not go through any chemical process). The scalp must not show.”

This age-old rule has prevented unnecessary attention and time-wasting with ‘non-school hairdos. Any exceptions to this rule on religious grounds would open the floodgates for all types of hairstyles and breed indiscipline.

Furthermore, we believe Article 14(1)(e) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana which states: ‘Every person shall be entitled to his personal liberty and no person shall be deprived of his personal liberty except in the following cases and in accordance with a procedure permitted by law-

(e) for the purpose of the education or welfare of a person who has not attained the age of eighteen years” gives the school right to set rules in furtherance of education.

We, therefore, stand with the headmistress and welcome into our fold, parents who are ready to abide by the rules and regulations of Achimota school.