Tensions flared at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), on Wednesday, July 2, after several students were prevented from entering lecture halls due to a sudden enforcement of the school’s dress code policy, prompting strong reactions from affected students.

A student who spoke anonymously on Citi Eyewitness News on Wednesday, July 2, expressed frustration with the perceived inconsistency of the enforcement and the lack of clear communication. According to the student, the directive appears to be selectively applied and poorly timed.

“A message was sent to us, I think, a week ago about the dress code. But to be honest, enforcement only begins when the Level 100 students resume. I’ve witnessed this trend. Anytime we’re on campus, they start enforcing it just to put fear in us.”

The student emphasised that UPSA’s policy designates Mondays for official wear, and questioned why students were being pressured to dress formally on a Wednesday, outside the school’s usual dress expectations.

“UPSA wears official attire on Monday. But this is a Wednesday, and you are pressuring us to wear any official wear, which is not right,” the student added.

The dress code enforcement created chaos across campus, with some students reportedly barred from classes as early as 7 a.m., even those scheduled to take tests. Reports indicate that many students were unaware that the policy would be strictly enforced midweek, leading to confusion and growing dissatisfaction.

In a separate incident, a female public relations student was allegedly dragged by a man believed to be a staff member, further deepening concerns about how the dress code rules are being applied and enforced.