A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communications team, Wonder Madilo, has attributed the recent rise in indecent dressing among students to significant failings within Ghana’s education system.
His comments come in the wake of reports that several students at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), were sent home for allegedly dressing indecently.
The incident has sparked widespread debate about discipline and student conduct in tertiary institutions.
Notably, some students have contested the allegations, claiming they were unjustly singled out.
Speaking on JoyNews AM Show, Mr. Madilo identified the root cause of the problem as a breakdown in discipline and grooming that begins at the secondary school level.
“The failure of our educational system is what is causing many of these issues,” he asserted firmly.
In the past, secondary schools were largely run by mission organisations such as the Presbyterians, Catholics, and Methodists, who maintained rigorous moral standards and prioritised the development of personal discipline.
“In those schools, students were taught essential life skills — from managing personal hygiene during menstruation to mastering table manners, neatness, and sanitation,” he explained. “These values were deeply embedded in the curriculum and played a critical role in shaping responsible and disciplined individuals.”
In stark contrast, he lamented the present state of education, noting that many schools today lack adequate guidance and counselling services, and grooming has become a neglected priority, particularly in day schools.
This decline, he argued, has paved the way for increasing indiscipline that now manifests within tertiary institutions.
“Much of the misconduct we observe in universities and colleges is a direct reflection of the shortcomings experienced at the secondary school level,” Mr. Madilo emphasised.
While acknowledging the necessity of enforcing discipline, he urged educational institutions to approach such matters with fairness and sensitivity, especially when dealing with young women.
“I call on UPSA to be circumspect in their handling of this issue. These are young ladies, and while order must be maintained, there must also be a balanced and humane approach in managing these cases,” he concluded.
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