Social media has been in a state of mixed reactions as two Rastafarians, Tyron Iras Marhguy and Oheneba Kwaku Nkrabea won their case against the Achimota school.
This follows the two Rastafarians suing the Achimota school for refusing;to enroll them into the school because they refused to shave their dreadlocks.
Social media users have taken to several platforms to share their thoughts on this development. Some were of the view that the boys shouldn’t attend the school; because it is highly possible that they may be met with hostility;from the authorities of the school and even some of the students. They opined that winning the court case is one thing but being able to stand through constant;stigma and discrimination throughout their stay at Achimota is another important phase.
They also noted that whenever there is trouble especially if it has;to do with weed and marijuana, it will be associated with the Rastafarians. According to them, it will be best they found a different school to attend and just leave Achimota.
That notwithstanding, some were of the view that this issue has proven that most Ghanaians prioritize emotions and values over logic and the law. According to them, about 90% of the learned people in Ghana commented in favor of the school, however, the law sees otherwise.
Some mock the school
Meanwhile, some took this opportunity to ridicule the school. They were of the view that in a few years to come, the school will be turned into a Rastafarian school where only Rastafarians will be admitted to the school. Some even went further to mention that they will soon have a “Rastafarian Association of Achimota”. Some also shared pictures of some Rastafarians who will soon be the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) chairman of the school.
Nonetheless, some netizens noted that now that the case of the Rastafarians has been dealt with, the next issue to tackle is that of Wesley Girls Senior High school’s policy of refusing students to fast. Some reactions on social media read:
Some reactions on social media
Background of the story
It can be recalled that in March this year, Achimota School issued admission letters to the two Rastafarian students but indicated that they would only be enrolled on the condition that they shave their dreadlocks in accordance with the school’s academic regulations.
Tyron Iras Marhguy and Oheneba Kwaku Nkrabea sued the School’s Board of Governors, the Minister of Education, the Ghana Education Service, and the Attorney General to enforce their fundamental Human Rights.
Nonetheless, the Human Rights Division of the High Court presided over by Justice Gifty Agyei Addo, ruled that the fundamental human rights of two students cannot be limited by the rules in question.
The lawyer for the families, Ras Wayo Tetteh, said that the young boys can be admitted to the school as early as Tuesday, June 1.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has announced that it is drawing up a comprehensive program that will cater for issues such as the Achimota saga and the recent Wesley Girls issue.
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