The Ghana Education Service has strongly defended its decision to introduce a new school uniform for Junior High School (JHS) students despite grave public disapproval.

Speaking on Morning Starr with Francis Abban, Director General of GES, Professor Kwasi Opoku Amankwa said the change is aimed at psyching the students of what is ahead of them.

“In our schools, the first years and second years are mostly seen in shorts. The third or final year students are mostly seen in trousers. Have we ever bothered to find out why it is so?

“We want to start psyching the students for what is ahead. The curriculum is about changing and it is important the students know and start seeing themselves as seniors hence the change of uniform,” he stated.

According to him, the service expects parents to provide the uniforms to their wards “like they have always done.” Nonetheless, the government may assume responsibility for deprived communities.

The design contract

Currently, Ghanaian school children from primary to Junior High all wear the same attire – Yellow top and brown Khaki down – which has been used for the past 30 years.

The new uniform also has a light brown khaki down and striped top with books drawn in portions.

The new uniforms will be accompanied by a new curriculum being introduced in schools by the Education Service.

According to Professor Amankwa, the designing of the new uniforms contract was given to a number of people and that “we have was what was selected.”

On the colors, he said the dull or dim was chosen because “we know children love to play a lot and may make themselves dirty in the process. The color chosen is the best if you ask.”