The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has rolled out a
reinforced dress code policy requiring students to adhere to stricter rules
from Monday to Friday. The directive, which took effect at the start of the
2025/2026 academic year, emphasizes professional and official dressing on
campus, particularly from Monday to Friday.
According to university authorities, the policy is grounded in Sections
1.29–1.32 of the Undergraduate Students’ Handbook (2018), which bans certain
attire such as shorts, bathroom slippers, tracksuits, anklets, nose rings, and
unkempt hair. A dress code task force has been deployed at various entry points
on campus to enforce compliance.
However, the rollout has sparked controversy. Just days into implementation,
some students, especially freshmen, were denied entry to lecture halls, leading
to confusion and frustration. A viral video showing a heated exchange between a
staff member and a Level 100 female student further heightened tensions.
In response, UPSA condemned the staff’s behavior as “unacceptable,” pledged
to retrain enforcement personnel, and issued an official apology to the
affected student. Both the vice-chancellor and the staff member involved
offered personal apologies.
While proponents argue that the policy promotes discipline and
professionalism, critics among them students, rights advocates, and some
lawmakers say aspects of the dress code are arbitrary and infringe on personal
freedom.
University management has promised to review enforcement protocols to ensure
dignity and fairness while maintaining standards that reflect its mission of
grooming students for professional and corporate life.