A Colonial Practice Ghana Must Re-examine
Neat African Hairstyles Are Not Indiscipline
There is no evidence—academic, hygienic, or disciplinary—that shaving improves academic performance or behaviour. Meanwhile, neat African hairstyles such as straight-back cornrows, threading, twists, and rubber-band sectioning are:
- clean
- simple
- low maintenance
- affordable
- protective for natural hair
- culturally appropriate
These styles align with discipline without erasing identity. Ghanaian girls can look neat and be themselves at the same time.
The Economic Cost of Colonial Rule
Because girls grow up shaved, many never learn natural hair maintenance. This leads to dependence on wigs and synthetic extensions—industries dominated by foreign companies. As a result:
- Ghana imports millions of cedis worth of synthetic hair
- Hands-on cultural skills decline
- The beauty economy benefits foreign manufacturers more than local creators
A colonial grooming rule now feeds a modern economic dependency.
Time for National Reflection
If the haircut rule is colonial…
If it is not rooted in Ghanaian culture…
If it harms girls’ confidence and identity…
If it no longer serves educational purpose…
Then Ghana must reconsider its place in modern schooling.
Revising the rule is not rebellion—it is restoration.
Our Girls Deserve Options — Not Erasure
Ghanaian girls deserve the right to:
- grow their natural hair
- express their identity
- maintain cultural hairstyles
- learn grooming skills
- build confidence in their femininity and heritage
A country building a confident future cannot shave away the cultural identity of its daughters.
It is time for Ghana to update the policy—
not the girls’ hair.
FURTHER READING
For readers wanting deeper context:
- Doris Essah — Fashioning the Nation: Hairdressing and Gender in Ghana
- Jean Allman — The Politics of African Hair
- Akosua Adomako Ampofo — Research on African identity and colonial influence
- Irene Odotei — Studies on Ghanaian cultural traditions
This paper is authored by Dr Shirley Ayangbah, Founder and Lead Consultant at Global Economic Research Consulting (GERC).
She is an international law and economics professional with advanced training in international economic law, sustainable development, and economic policy.
Dr Ayangbah uses her interdisciplinary background to analyse social issues, advocate for women’s empowerment, and promote culturally grounded development solutions in Africa.
