Ghanaian actress Lydia Forson has criticised comments by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology (UMAT), Professor Bernard Kumi-Boateng, after he warned that students would no longer be allowed to attend lectures with certain hairstyles and forms of dressing from the next academic year.

Speaking at an event, Prof. Kumi-Boateng expressed concern over what he described as changing dressing habits and appearance among students on campus.

According to him, some male students now attend lectures with plaited hair and earrings, while some female students dress in ways he considers inappropriate.

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His remarks have sparked widespread debate on social media, with many users divided over whether universities should enforce stricter dress codes or allow students greater freedom of expression.

Joining the discussion, Lydia Forson argued that the focus on students’ appearance distracts from the real purpose of higher education.

In a post shared on X, the actress said there appears to be “an endless obsession with policing how adults dress, wear their hair, or express themselves,” instead of prioritising academic excellence and innovation.

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She maintained that there is no credible evidence linking hairstyles or personal appearance to intelligence, discipline or academic performance.

Miss Forson further attributed such attitudes to what she described as the colonial foundations of Ghana’s education system, arguing that schools were historically designed to produce conformity rather than encourage innovation and critical thinking.

While acknowledging that institutions have the right to establish codes of conduct, she stressed that appearance should not be used as a measure of competence, intelligence or character.

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The actress concluded that universities should focus on challenging minds, nurturing curiosity and preparing students to solve future problems rather than policing their appearance.

The Vice-Chancellor’s comments continue to generate mixed reactions, with some supporting stricter dress codes to promote discipline on campus, while others argue that universities should prioritise academic performance over appearance.