Tyrone Iras Marhguy, the Rastafarian student who made headlines in 2021 for his legal battle to secure admission to Achimota School, is once again in the spotlight. The school has confirmed that Marhguy is now part of their team for the upcoming National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) championship, scheduled to take place later this year.
In a Facebook post shared by the school, Marhguy is seen alongside fellow contestants of the prestigious school at an NSMQ trial session. The post encourages the school community to support and equip the team for a successful season.
Social media users have been celebrating Marhguy’s resilience in overcoming the initial hurdle he faced and applauding his inclusion in the school’s NSMQ team. However, there are also criticisms directed at the school for what some perceive as shamelessly parading him as a contestant after the previous controversy.
To provide some context, in March 2021, Tyrone Iras Marhguy was initially denied admission to Achimota School, despite his name being placed there by the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS). The school authorities, backed by the school’s old students’ association, justified the denial, citing the Rastafarian hairstyle as a violation of school rules and potential breeding ground for indiscipline.
Marhguy took legal action against the school, and in May 2021, the Human Rights Court 1 Division of the High Court in Accra ruled in his favor, ordering Achimota School to admit him. Despite not attending classes like his peers, Marhguy demonstrated exceptional brilliance by excelling in his end-of-semester examinations, reportedly achieving the highest scores in Elective Mathematics and Integrated Science among his science class cohort.
Now in his final year, Marhguy has been selected to lead Achimota School’s National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) team, a testament to his academic prowess and resilience. This development has been confirmed by reliable sources.
Supporters of Marhguy, delighted by his achievements, have criticized the school authorities for attempting to deny him his right to education and the opportunity to showcase his brilliance.
As the NSMQ competition approaches, all eyes will be on Marhguy and his team as they aim to make an impact in the championship. This remarkable journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity and recognizing the potential of every student, irrespective of their appearance or background.