The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), is currently embroiled in controversy following the strict enforcement of a new dress code policy. This directive, which includes a ban on personal adornments such as nose rings and anklets, is ostensibly aimed at promoting discipline but has ignited widespread opposition from both public figures and students, raising significant questions about its appropriateness for a tertiary educational institution.

Eric Edem Agbana, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu North and a member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education, publicly condemned the policy in a social media post on July 2, 2025. While acknowledging the importance of discipline and adherence to codes of conduct within educational settings, Agbana vehemently described the ban as an "overreach." He argued that prohibiting personal items like nose rings is excessive and constitutes an infringement on students' fundamental rights to self-expression. The lawmaker further cautioned that failure to "nip such directives in the bud" could pave the way for even more restrictive measures in the future, citing potential bans on tattoos as an example. Drawing on his background as a former student leader, Agbana asserted his consistent refusal to accept such policies, maintaining this stance both in his past student leadership role and his present capacity as a sitting Member of Parliament.

The immediate consequences of the dress code's strict enforcement have been profoundly disruptive for UPSA students. Reports indicate that on Wednesday, July 2, numerous students were barred from entering lecture halls as early as 7 AM, with some consequently missing scheduled tests. An unidentified student, speaking on Accra-based Citi FM's Eyewitness News, expressed deep frustration over what they perceived as inconsistent enforcement and inadequate communication from the university authorities. The student pointed out that while UPSA's official policy designates Mondays for formal wear, students were inexplicably being compelled to dress formally on a Wednesday, a day outside the stated expectations. The student also suggested that the intensity of enforcement often escalates with the resumption of Level 100 students, seemingly as a tactic to "put fear" in them. Further exacerbating the scrutiny, an incident involving a female public relations student who was allegedly manhandled by an individual believed to be a staff member has drawn extensive concern, highlighting potential abuses in the enforcement process.

Amidst the escalating controversy, an old video featuring popular Ghanaian musician Black Sherif at UPSA resurfaced on X on July 3, 2025. The video depicts a UPSA official, purportedly a lecturer, questioning Black Sherif about his earrings and asserting that his attire was inappropriate for the university environment. The official explicitly referenced the university's dress code, urging the artist to familiarize himself with it. The resurfacing of this video has fueled social media speculation that this prior incident might have influenced Black Sherif's subsequent decision to enroll at the University of Ghana instead, thereby underscoring a long-standing pattern of strict dress code enforcement at UPSA.

As the intense debate continues, the University of Professional Studies, Accra, has yet to issue an official response to the burgeoning public criticism. This silence leaves the university community in anticipation of clarification on a policy that has not only significantly impacted the daily lives of students but has also ignited a broader discussion on the delicate balance between personal freedom and institutional discipline within the realm of higher education.