UPSA Condemns Staff Who Manhandled Student During Controversial Dress Code Fracas: ”Unacceptable”

• The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has condemned the staff member who manhandled a student
• The incident occurred while enforcing the school's controversial dress code on Wednesday, July 2, 2025
• The university reaffirmed its dress code policy and announced stricter disciplinary measures to be enforced from July 1, 2025

The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has condemned its staff member who went viral for manhandling a student.

The staff was enforcing the school's controversial dress code, which led to some students being barred from class.

In a statement on July 3, the university said it was probing the incident in which the woman was forcibly dragged off the university's premises for allegedly violating the dress code.

This came after a memorandum issued by the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, which expressed concern about students' attire on campus, particularly during lectures.

"The University wishes to emphasise unequivocally that the behaviour of the staff was unacceptable and condemns it outright."

The school also said it has apologised to the student, and the staff member has also been compelled to apologise to the student.

University of Professional Studies, Accra’s management also said it is reviewing its current Dress Code enforcement procedures.

"Additional training will be provided to the Dress Code Compliance Team to reinforce appropriate conduct while performing their duties."

The university further defended its longstanding dress code policy, stating that it plays a vital role in preparing students for professional environments.

UPSA students barred from academic activity

On July 2, several University of Professional Studies, Accra students were removed from lectures for violating the institution's strict dress code policy.

For example, a woman spoke about being dismissed for wearing leather slippers, stating that she knew the rules but had not expected to be penalised.

She also expressed frustration over nearly missing an important Interim Assessment due to the incident, sparking mixed reactions online.

The school's management has in the past expressed concern over how some students disregard the institution's dress code policy. It even went as far as to institute a dress code award.

The school had served notice of a task force which would strictly enforce the dress code policy, effective July 1, 2025.

This policy has since been heavily criticised by observers. In comments on the incident, activist Ernesto Yeboah noted that this policy may disproportionately target women.

"A woman’s body is so politicised that her own voice is often ignored. When indecent dressing is mentioned, it overwhelmingly targets women; reinforced by countless dress codes in schools and workplaces that police female bodies."

UPSA honours students for dressing

YEN.com.gh reported that the University of Professional Studies, Accra honoured two students it said dressed well in April.

Adwoa Yeboah, a third-year student and Andy Kusi Yeboah, a first-year student, were awarded some souvenirs for their exemplary lifestyle.

The University of Professional Studies, Accra, took to social media to congratulate the duo and also encourage other students to emulate their deeds.

Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh