Tyrone Iras Marhguy, a Rastafarian student who was initially denied admission into Achimota School because of his dreadlocks, has proven his academic excellence by topping his class in Science and Elective Mathematics.
A Legal Battle for Education
Marhguy, who graduated from junior high school with a perfect score of 9 in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), had to fight a legal battle to secure his place at Achimota School, one of the most prestigious secondary schools in Ghana.
He and another Rastafarian student, Oheneba Nkrabea, were rejected by the school authorities on the grounds that their dreadlocks violated the school’s rules and regulations. The students and their parents challenged the decision in court, arguing that it was a violation of their human rights and religious freedom.
In May 2023, the Human Rights Division of the Accra High Court ruled in favor of the students, ordering the school to admit them without any precondition. The court also awarded damages of GH¢10,000 to each student for the inconvenience caused by the school’s actions.
The school, however, appealed the ruling, seeking to overturn it and prevent the students from attending classes. The appeal is still pending at the Court of Appeal.
An Exceptional Student
Despite the legal hurdles and the initial discrimination he faced, Marhguy did not let his academic performance suffer. He excelled in his studies, especially in Science and Elective Mathematics, two of the core subjects for students pursuing science-related courses.
Marhguy scored 91% in Science and 92% in Elective Mathematics, the highest marks in his class, according to his end-of-term report card. He also performed well in other subjects, such as English Language, Social Studies, and Integrated Science.
Marhguy’s remarkable achievements have earned him praise and admiration from his teachers, classmates, and the general public. Many have commended him for his resilience, intelligence, and determination to pursue his education despite the challenges he faced.
Marhguy has expressed his gratitude to Achimota School for the quality of education he received, saying that the school played a key role in his success at the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), and the Science and Maths Olympiads.
He also thanked his parents, lawyers, and supporters for standing by him and fighting for his rights. He said he hopes to inspire other young people, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, to pursue their dreams and overcome any obstacles they may encounter.
Marhguy has a passion for science and technology, and he aspires to become an aerospace engineer in the future. He said he wants to contribute to the development of Ghana and Africa by applying his skills and knowledge to solve problems and create innovations.
He also said he wants to promote the values of tolerance, diversity, and respect for human dignity in the society, and to challenge any form of discrimination or injustice that may affect the rights and opportunities of others.
Marhguy’s story is a testament to the power of education and the potential of the youth. He has shown that with hard work, courage, and perseverance, nothing can stop one from achieving their goals and making a positive impact in the world.
Source: Ghana Web
