The Ghana Education Service (GES) has raised concerns over the increasing trend of tattooing, multiple piercings, and bleaching among pupils, labeling it a “troubling phenomenon”
Ms. Priscilla Christabel Eshun, the Central Regional Girls Education Officer of the GES, expressed surprise at the discovery of young pupils with bold tattoos and funny names during visits to selected districts in the Central Region as part of the ‘Life Skills Programme.’
During these visits to districts such as Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam, Assin South, Ekumfi, Upper Denkyira West, Twifo-Hemang-Lower-Denkyira West, and the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem Municipality, the GES also observed instances of teenage pregnancies and cohabitation, particularly among young girls. Ms. Eshun revealed that some students had gone to extremes with bleaching, resulting in skin peeling and emitting an unpleasant smell.
The GES Code of Conduct prohibits tattooing, multiple piercings, and bleaching, emphasizing the importance of neat dressing and adherence to prescribed guidelines. Students are also urged to maintain proper grooming standards, including maintaining a decent haircut and avoiding extreme styles and colors. Sanctions for violating the Code of Conduct range from confiscation of unauthorized items to disciplinary actions and counseling.
Mr. Alan Paintsil, representing the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), reiterated the commitment to addressing issues such as teenage pregnancies and sexual violence in the region. He called for the support of all stakeholders in sustaining the progress made in these areas. The GES’s efforts to instill discipline and uniformity in the educational environment through its Code of Conduct reflect a broader commitment to creating a conducive learning atmosphere for students.
