Tyrone Iras Marhguy, the Rastafarian student who faced rejection from Achimota School in 2021 due to his refusal to cut his dreadlocks is in the news again for positive reasons.
In the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), he emerged triumphant with great scores. Marhguy achieved exceptional success by obtaining the highest grade possible, an A1, in all eight subjects he studied as a General Science student at the school.
Franklin Cudjoe, the boss of IMANI Centre for Policy and Education shed light on this new development by hailing the youngster on his Facebook page writing:
One my favourite persons of the year. In spite of all the negative and needless press generated by the silly rudderless actions of ‘elite’ administrators in the vaunted walls of Achimota, the young man kept focus. He could have furthered Achimota’s chances in the Math& Science quiz, but he was not allowed. He really could have scored the same results in any mid-tiered school. Achimota should be thankful.
Marhguy and his father took legal action against Achimota Senior High School after the school denied him admission due to his dreadlocks. Acting on behalf of his son, Tereo Kwame Marhguy filed a request for an interlocutory injunction, asking the court to order Achimota School to allow the children to continue their education while the main case is being decided.
The refusal of admission to Tyron Iras Marhguy by the Headmistress of the school over the style of hair sparked widespread discussion in the community. The Ghana Education Service, civil society organizations, NGOs, and individuals also expressed varying opinions on the matter.
The CRI, an organization dedicated to protecting the rights and development of every child, stepped forward to support the families of the students and ensure that the case reaches a fair resolution.
The applicant named the board of governors of Achimota Senior High School and the Attorney-General, who serves as the government’s legal advisor, as respondents in the lawsuit.
