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Tag: Achimota School

  • Achimota School, State to pay over GHC600k in damages for death of student

    Achimota School, State to pay over GHC600k in damages for death of student

    Following a lengthy legal battle spanning seven years and six months, the family of 15-year-old Kervin Kofi Moses has finally received justice.

    The High Court has ruled that Achimota School was negligent in its duty towards the residential General Arts student, ultimately leading to his untimely death.

    Kervin Kofi Moses, a student at Achimota Senior High School, tragically passed away on December 4, 2016, following what the court determined was a failure by the school to provide him with adequate medical care.

    According to court documents, Moses had complained of feeling unwell in November 2016, suspecting malaria. Despite seeking medical attention at the school clinic and expressing his symptoms, he was reportedly given ibuprofen and told he did not have malaria.

    His mother, Sonia Ofori-Ansong, intervened, urging the school’s Housemaster, Dominic Danso, to allow her son to be taken to the hospital for further evaluation. However, her plea was allegedly denied, with the Housemaster assuring her that Moses was improving.

    It was not until December 2, 2016, that Ms. Ofori-Ansong received a distressing call from Mr. Danso, informing her that Moses had been rushed to the Achimota Government Hospital. Subsequently, he was transferred to the 37 Military Hospital, where he sadly succumbed to his condition the following day.

    In response to this tragic sequence of events, Ms. Ofori-Ansong, alongside Gerald Nyarko, initiated legal proceedings against Achimota School, arguing that the institution had breached its duty of care towards Moses.

    They sought several reliefs from the court, including financial compensation for medical and funeral expenses, loss of dependency/prospective income, and damages for the pain and psychological trauma caused.

    Justice Comfort Kwasiwor Tasiame, in a judgement dated May 28, 2024, criticized the negligence displayed by Dominic Danso, stating that his failure to take immediate action and show remorse during the legal proceedings was egregious.

    The court ruled in favour of the plaintiffs, awarding them GH¢400,000 as general damages, GH¢200,000 for loss of expectation of life, and an additional GH¢10,000 in costs.

  • Achimota School books Regional final slot in NSMQ 2024

    Achimota School books Regional final slot in NSMQ 2024

    Achimota School secured a resounding victory in the Greater Accra Regional Championship finals slot of the 2024 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ).

    They fiercely battled against St. Thomas Aquinas, St. John’s Grammar School, and West Africa SHS to progress to the regional championship finals on Thursday.

    Despite failing to reach the finals of the Greater Accra Regional Championship last year, Achimota School made a strong comeback, earning a coveted place among the schools heading to this year’s regional championship finals. Armed with determination and unwavering focus, Achimota entered the competition, yearning for a triumphant moment.

    They dominated the entire contest, emerging victorious with a whopping 37 points. St. John’s Grammar School came in second with 31 points, while St. Thomas Aquinas secured third place with 13 points, leaving West Africa SHS trailing with 12 points.

    In the first round, Achimota School took a commanding lead with 16 points, leaving West Africa SHS and St. John’s Grammar with 6 points each, and St. Thomas Aquinas trailing with 5 points. They extended their lead in the second round, reaching a total of 18 points. St. John’s Grammar came in second with 11 points, while St. Thomas Aquinas overtook West Africa SHS to come third with 9 points.

    Achimota continued to demonstrate their academic prowess in the third round, widening the gap further with 31 points. St. John’s Grammar also improved their score, securing 24 points, leaving St. Thomas Aquinas and West Africa SHS trailing.

    In the final round of the competition, the two-time champions solidified their lead, booking a slot in the regional championship finals and leaving their competitors behind.

  • Tyrone Marhguy defends Achimota school after being dropped from NSMQ

    Tyrone Marhguy defends Achimota school after being dropped from NSMQ

    In a compelling development, Tyrone Iras Marhguy, a remarkably intelligent former student of Achimota School and a Rastafarian, has debunked circulating rumors suggesting that his exclusion from the contestants representing Achimota School in the 2023 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) was linked to the initial controversy surrounding his admission into the school.

    Against the backdrop of Master Marhguy’s initial denial of admission to Achimota School due to his refusal to cut his dreadlocks, a decision overturned by a High Court order, speculations have arisen. People are now questioning whether the school may have victimized this exceptional student by omitting him from the final team that represented Achimota School in the quiz competition.

    However, Master Marhguy clarified that he did not meet a crucial requirement for the quiz competition – his lack of study in biology. Despite his outstanding performance in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, which initially secured him a place in the long list of contestants, the school, in its best interest, made the decision to drop him from the final team due to his deficiency in Biology.

    “I got into the first fifteen and was in the team. But moving forward, it was still Biology. Regardless, it was as if he couldn’t afford to not have biology because it would put everything on the other contestant [the only person who studied Biology]. And if that’s the case, we are going to have a problem with the Problem of the Day [a round in the quiz competition]. If it is a biology question, it is a catastrophe because I can’t do anything. I can just watch him. Alright, I was learning the Biology and all that but they [ those who were eventually selected] had been doing it for about three years,” Master Marhguy revealed in an interview with the media.

    He also acknowledged the key role played by Achimota School in his success at the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the Science and Maths Olympiads. He explained that even though he put in his best, the contribution of his former school was integral to his success.

  • “For the core math, I didn’t use a calculator” – Tyron Marghuy

    “For the core math, I didn’t use a calculator” – Tyron Marghuy

    Ghanaian ratafarian student Tyron Marghuy, who became famous for his legal battle with Achimota School over his dreadlocks, made headlines after he posted the results of his West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE), where he made 8As studying General Science.

    A video capturing the moment he checked his results online with friends went viral on social media, garnering congratulations from many for his academic achievement.

    During an interview sighted on (formerly Twitter), on his journey to attaining such a milestone, he revealed that he didn’t use a calculator while writing his favourite subject, Core Maths paper, a statement that has set tongues waging on the internet as some users believe it is a struggle to make a C6 even while they work with a calculator.

    “My favourite is math, so, at some point, I didn’t want to mention it. For the core math, I didn’t use a calculator. My thing is that with the way I love math, I want it to be memorable so that one day, if I sit down, I will say, you know, Tyron, you did try your best,” he said.

    Tyron Marghuy, a Ghanaian student, gained widespread recognition due to his legal battle with Achimota School over his dreadlocks. In 2021, he faced an initial denial of admission to the school, citing his hairstyle as a violation of the institution’s rules.

    Marghuy, along with another Rastafarian student, Oheneba Kwaku Nkrabea, took legal action against the school, alleging discrimination and violation of their human rights.

    The High Court ruled in their favour, mandating the school admit them.

    However, Oheneba Kwaku Nkrabea eventually secured a scholarship to enrol at Ghana International School, while Tyron Marghuy joined Achimota School.

    Remarkably, Marghuy sat for his end-of-term examination mere hours after being admitted, marking a significant chapter in his journey.

  • “The stone the builder refused has become the cornerstone” – Social media users troll Achimota School for sharing Tyrone Marhguy’s success stories

    “The stone the builder refused has become the cornerstone” – Social media users troll Achimota School for sharing Tyrone Marhguy’s success stories

    Achimota School is having a hard time on social media platform, X, for posting the recent achievements chalked by its former student, Tyrone Marhguy.

    Tyrone, a young Rastafarian, was initially denied admission to Achimota School due to his dreadlocks in 2021. The student, together with another took the school to court. In court, the School was ordered to admit the Rastafarian students.

    During his stay in the school, it was reported that he was kicked off the school’s National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) team, but none of the claims were substantiated.

    After completing Achimota, Tyrone succeeded in the West African Senior Secondary School Examinations (WASSCE), securing an impressive 8 As.

    Shortly after, it was found out that he achieved a remarkable feat by attaining the 99th percentile globally in the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).

    The SAT is a widely recognized and competitive examination used by many universities in the United States to assess students’ abilities before they enroll in university.

    Marhguy scored an impressive 1500 out of a maximum 1600, ranking in the 99th percentile. This means he performed better than 99% of all the candidates who took the examination in the year 2022. Such a high score is particularly noteworthy as only 1 out of every 100 candidates typically attains this level of achievement.

    Most recent of his achievements which have blown the minds of many is receiving two prestigious awards from the American Mathematics Olympiad 2023 for his exceptional accomplishments in Grade 12.

    Marhguy secured the title of the 2023 overall national top scorer, earning the Gold medal after competing with over 150,000 students worldwide.

    Additionally, he was honored with the Vanda Science International Olympiad in the Silver category, surpassing 38,000 test-takers.

    In recognition of his academic excellence, Marhguy has been officially inducted into the International Junior Honour Society, 2023.

    Achimota School is among the many individuals and institutions telling the success stories of Tyrone. But the school’s actions have warranted attacks due to its earlier position on Tyrone’s admission.

    Some X users have accused the educational institution of being shameless for celebrating an individual they rejected. Some users are also not pleased by the fact that the school has not apologised to Tyrone and his family for their earlier position.

    “So u guys don’t have the shame to post him after all the racism act you pulled towards him,” one user, @pablothetrainer, wrote.

  • Achimota School’s Tyrone Marhguy ‘blows’ SAT exams he took in SHS 2

    Achimota School’s Tyrone Marhguy ‘blows’ SAT exams he took in SHS 2

    Tyrone Iras Marhguy, the Rastafarian student who faced initial admission challenges at Achimota School due to his dreadlocks, has achieved a remarkable feat by attaining the 99th percentile globally in the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).

    The SAT is a widely recognized and competitive examination used by many universities in the United States to assess students’ abilities before they enroll in university.

    Marhguy scored an impressive 1500 out of a maximum 1600, ranking in the 99th percentile. This means he performed better than 99% of all the candidates who took the examination in the year 2022. Such a high score is particularly noteworthy as only 1 out of every 100 candidates typically attains this level of achievement.

    In expressing his gratitude for his academic success, Marhguy acknowledged the invaluable role played by Achimota School in his educational journey.

    As he contemplates his future academic endeavors after securing 8As in the 2023 WASSCE, Marhguy is setting his sights on pursuing studies in either Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.

    He is eyeing tertiary institutions such as Harvard, Cornell, Ashesi and Academic City.

    In an exclusive interview with Citi TV, Marhguy outlined his preferences, stating, “In Ghana, it’s Ashesi, Academic City, and in terms of courses, it will be Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering. I am also exploring opportunities at prestigious international institutions such as Columbia, Harvard, MIT, and Cornell.”

  • I would love to school at Havard or Ashesi University – Tyrone Marhguy

    I would love to school at Havard or Ashesi University – Tyrone Marhguy

    The resilient Rastafarian student who garnered national attention after being denied admission by Achimota School in 2021 due to his dreadlocks, Tyrone Iras Marhguy, emerged triumphant in the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

    As he contemplates his future academic endeavors, Marhguy is setting his sights on pursuing studies in either Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.

    In an exclusive interview with Citi TV, Marhguy outlined his preferences, stating, “In Ghana, it’s Ashesi, Academic City, and in terms of courses, it will be Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering. I am also exploring opportunities at prestigious international institutions such as Columbia, Harvard, MIT, and Cornell.”

    Reflecting on the social challenges he encountered amid the admission controversy, Marhguy shared insights into his personal growth. The initial hurdles led to a transformation from an extroverted individual to a more introspective one.

    Despite the initial difficulties, he found acceptance within the Achimota community for who he truly is.

    “Within the school, one thing I couldn’t do was go to the dining hall. I grew into the Achimota community because we see you, and yes, we acknowledge, unlike initially when I was labeled as ‘the Rasta guy.’ I am not an introvert,” he affirmed, highlighting the evolving dynamics of his social integration.

  • Achimota School’s rejection didn’t discourage me from pursuing my goals – Tyrone Marhguy

    Achimota School’s rejection didn’t discourage me from pursuing my goals – Tyrone Marhguy

    The young Rastafarian, Tyrone Marhguy, who faced significant controversy after being denied admission to Achimota School due to his dreadlocks, has demonstrated remarkable resilience and academic commitment.

    On the 19th of December, Tyrone achieved outstanding success in the West African Senior Secondary School Examinations (WASSCE), securing an impressive 8 As.

    This notable accomplishment is the culmination of a challenging journey that attracted widespread attention due to the highly publicized rejection of his school admission.

    The incident sparked a nationwide debate on discrimination and, ultimately, resulted in a landmark court victory not only for Marhguy but also for his fellow students.

    In an enlightening interview with Caleb Kudah on Citi TV, Marhguy shared insights into his mindset during the admission rejection.

    He emphasized that he refused to be discouraged and focused on the potential for positive change.

    “I don’t know if it was supposed to [be] but what I told myself was that, that was not the time. Because I know that certain things can be changed. If you sit around telling yourself this and that, do you want to cry or what? That was one. And I also think that the support from my parent and family was very essential.”

    “We kind of pride ourselves on the schools we went to so they will come and tell you some guy from my school that Bencher got 8As. So they came to call me and when I went, they were all ready and cameras were on.”

    “Even in the BECE I kind of write the scores I think I will get and then hope to get because I wrote it. So to be honest I got 7As there was a B somewhere, English.”

    “Within the school, one thing I couldn’t do was go to the dining hall. I grew into the Achimota community because we see you and yes we acknowledge unlike first who is the rasta guy. I am not an introvert.”

    “In terms of Ghana, it is Ashesi, it is Academic City. In terms of courses, it is Computer Science or Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering. I also like Columbia, Harvard, MIT and then Cornell.”

    Tyrone acknowledged the crucial role played by the unwavering support of his parents and family in navigating the adversity.

    Reflecting on the moment he checked his results, Marhguy expressed a mix of emotions, considering the challenges he had overcome.

    His school community, recognizing his achievements, took pride in his success, creating a sense of accomplishment. Cameras were ready to capture the celebratory atmosphere, highlighting the significance of his academic triumph.

    Even during the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), Marhguy maintained a proactive approach, setting expectations for his grades and then working towards achieving them.

    While achieving an impressive 7 As, he acknowledged a slight setback in English with a B grade.

    Addressing the adjustments in his social life resulting from the admission controversy, Marhguy shared that he transitioned from being an extroverted person to more of an introvert.

    However, he conveyed that over time, the Achimota community gradually accepted him for who he was, moving beyond initial perceptions as “the Rasta guy.”Looking ahead to tertiary education, Marhguy expressed interest in pursuing fields such as Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.

    He mentioned several prestigious institutions, including Ashesi and Academic City in Ghana, along with internationally renowned universities like Columbia, Harvard, MIT, and Cornell.

    Despite the challenges he faced, Marhguy’s story reflects not just personal triumph but also the broader societal discourse on inclusivity and diversity in educational institutions.


  • Govt reportedly spent GHC85,000 in fighting Rastafarian students from attending Achimota School

    Govt reportedly spent GHC85,000 in fighting Rastafarian students from attending Achimota School

    It is alleged that the government, via the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General, spent about GHC85,000 in the legal case between Achimota School and Tyrone Iras Marhguy, Oheneba Nkrabea; two Rastafarian students over admission to the institution.

    Tyrone Iras Marhguy and Oheneba Nkrabea were denied admission by Achimota School in 2021 due to his dreadlocks. The denial of admission led to a court intervention in May 2021.

    An Accra High Court delivered its ruling on Monday, May 31, 2021. Justice Gifty Adjei Addo, the Presiding Judge, disagreed with the submissions of the Attorney General and granted all the reliefs separately sought by the embattled students except the relief of compensation in the case of Tyrone Marhguy.

    According to Justice Addo, it was preposterous for the Attorney General to have even suggested that the two were not students in the first place. Justice Gifty Adjei Addo consequently directed Achimota School to admit the two Rastafarian students.

    But Achimota School and the Attorney-General’s office filed an appeal challenging the High Court’s order for the school to admit dreadlock-wearing student, Tyrone Marhguy.

    According to the school, the court among others erred by indicating that the rules and regulations of Achimota School with regard to ensuring uniformity in appearance is unlawful and interferes with the manifestation of one’s religious rights.

    The court dismissed the appeal, and three years down the line, Tyrone Iras Marhguy has completed his secondary education at Achimota School with flying colours.

    Tyrone secured the highest grade possible, an A1, in all eight subjects he studied as a General Science student in the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

    Reacting to this news, X user, StatsGH revealed that “A law firm’s accountant estimated that Gov’t must have spent around GHS85,000 fighting the Achimota Rasta student case.”

    Tyrone ‘s success was shared on X by a former aide to the NDC 2024 flagbearer, John Mahama, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

  • Rastafarian student Achimota School fought against gets 8As in 2023 WASSCE

    Rastafarian student Achimota School fought against gets 8As in 2023 WASSCE

    Tyrone Iras Marhguy, the Rastafarian student who faced initial denial of admission by Achimota School in 2021 due to his dreadlocks, has achieved outstanding success in the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

    Despite the initial rejection, Tyrone secured the highest grade possible, an A1, in all eight subjects he studied as a General Science student at the school.

    His success was shared on X by a former aide to the NDC 2024 flagbearer, John Mahama, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

    The denial of admission led to a court intervention in May 2021, which mandated Achimota School to admit him after extensive deliberations on the matter.

    The court ruling, delivered by Justice Gifty Adjei Addo, disagreed with the Attorney General’s submissions and granted the reliefs sought by the Rastafarian students, directing the school to admit them.

    The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has cancelled the entire results of 839 West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) candidates for possessing mobile phones during the examination.

    WAEC made this known after announcing the release of the provisional results for this year’s exams.

    WAEC also reported the cancellation of subject results for 3,647 candidates due to the offense of “bringing foreign materials into the examination hall.”

    Furthermore, the subject results of 4,280 candidates and the entire results of 1,005 have been withheld for various suspected offenses.

    Results from candidates in 235 schools are also under scrutiny for collusion and the use of artificially generated answers through artificial intelligence.

    According to WAEC, these cases are currently under investigation, and the release or cancellation of the withheld results will depend on the investigation outcomes.

    Candidates can access their results online by visiting www.waecgh.org, as announced in a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi.

  • Track records of PRESEC, OWASS, Achimota School in 30 years of NSMQ

    Track records of PRESEC, OWASS, Achimota School in 30 years of NSMQ

    This year marks the 30th anniversary of the annual National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), and to celebrate this pearl anniversary, three schools with a rich history in the competition are vying for the championship trophy and the ultimate bragging rights.

    The stage is perfectly set for the highly anticipated grand finale, featuring the top three contenders: Achimota School, Opoku Ware School, and Presbyterian Boys SHS (PRESEC).

    These three schools, Opoku Ware School, PRESEC Legon, and Achimota School, emerged victorious in thrilling semi-final matches, surpassing some of their fiercest competitors to reach the finals.

    Combined, these educational institutions have an impressive tally of 11 championship titles. With such a storied history in the competition, they are no strangers to the intense battleground of the grand finale.

    The upcoming finale promises to be an electrifying clash of intellect and knowledge, representing a true battle among former champions.

    For Achimota School and Opoku Ware, this presents a golden opportunity for redemption as they seek to avenge their losses to PRESEC Legon in the 2009 and 2020 finals, respectively.

    Meanwhile, the defending champions, PRESEC, have their sights set on an exceptional achievement: securing back-to-back victories. As the current titleholders, they are determined to capture their 8th trophy, further solidifying their status as record holders in the competition’s illustrious history.

    Here is a brief overview of the rich history and legacy that these three formidable schools bring to this eagerly awaited contest:

    Presbyterian Boys SHS (PRESEC Legon)

    • Established in 1938
    • NSMQ record holders (Most trophies)
    • 7-time champions (1995, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2020 and 2022)
    • 12 appearances at the finals
    • 1st Runner-up on four occasions
    • The only school to win trophy back-to-back
    • Reigning Greater Accra Regional Champions 
    • 4-time Regional Champions (2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023)
    • Motto: “In Lumine Tuo Videbimus Lumen” (In Thy Light We Shall See Light)

    Opoku Ware School (OWASS)

    • Established in 1952
    • 2-time champions (1997 and 2002)
    • Nine appearances at the finals 
    • 1st runner-up on five occasions (1995, 2003, 2005, 2008 and 2016)
    • 2nd runner-up on one occasion (2020)
    • 2022 Ashanti Regional Champions 
    • Motto: Deus Lux Scientiae (God is the Light of Knowledge)

    Achimota School (Motown)

    Achimota School (Motown)

    • Established in 1927
    • Two-time champions (1998 and 2004)
    • 1st and only co-educational school to lift the trophy
    • Five appearances at the finals
    • 1st runner-up on two occasions (1994 and 2009)
    • 2019 Greater Accra Regional Champions
    • Motto: Ut Omnes Unum Sint (That they all may be one).
  • NSMQ 2023: Achimota School grabs first slot in grand finale

    NSMQ 2023: Achimota School grabs first slot in grand finale

    Achimota School and its supporters are elated after securing their position at the grand finale of the 2023 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ).

    Wesley Girls’ High School, Achimota School, and St. Louis SHS competed in the first semifinal round of the NSMQ today.

    These schools from various contests proved to be formidable and as such the assumption was guessing the victor today will be a herculean task.

    But Achimota School made sure that was not the case. Right from the get go, Motown, as popularly called took the lead position and managed to maintain that till the end of the race.

    It was not an easy venture as Wesley Girls’ High School trailed Motown. But their arsenal was not enough to emerge victorious at the end of the contest.

    With 41 points, Achimota School catapulted themselves to the final contest of this year’s NSMQ.

    End of Round 1:

    Achimota School: 22pts St. Louis SHS: 15pts Wesley Girls’ High School: 08pts

    End of Round 2:

    Achimota School: 20pts Wesley Girls’ High School: 17pts St. Louis SHS: 16pts

    Problem of the Day:

    Wesley Girls’ High School: 4/10 Achimota School: 2/10 St. Louis SHS: 0/10

    End of Round 4:

    Achimota School: 38pts Wesley Girls’ High School: 31pts St. Louis SHS: 23pts

    End of contest:

    Achimota School: 41pts Wesley Girls’ High School: 31pts St. Louis SHS: 26pts

    Meanwhile, at 1:30pm, Opoku Ware School, Pope John SHS & Seminary and Prempeh College will slug it out.

    The last contest for today at 5:30pm will feature Keta SHTS, Mfantsipim School and PRESEC Legon.

    The victors will join Achimota School for the much-anticipated grand finale.

  • Achimota School progresses to one-eighth stage of NSMQ 2023 with ease

    Achimota School progresses to one-eighth stage of NSMQ 2023 with ease

    Achimota School, with style, made their way to the one-eighth stage of the 2023 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) today.

    The school faced Notre Dame Girls’ SHS and St. Francis Girls’ SHS, considered to be underdogs at the preliminary stage of the contest.

    Right from the onset, Achimota School took the lead, maintaining their dominance till the very end. The school ended the contest with a whopping 60 points.

    The two other schools, Notre Dame Girls’ SHS and St. Francis Girls’ SHS ended the race with 41 points and 17 points respectively.

    Elagbe Walter Abiwu and Kenneth Bakhita Egbadzor made their school proud with today’s victory.

    This is how the various rounds went:

    End of Round 1:

    Achimota School: 24pts

    Notre Dame Girls’ SHS: 18pts

    St. Francis Girls’ SHS: 03pts

    End of Round 2: (Speed race)

    Achimota School: 38pts

    Notre Dame Girls’ SHS: 18pts

    St. Francis Girls’ SHS: 02pts

    End of Round 3: Problem of the Day

    Notre Dame Girls’ SHS: 10/10

    Achimota School: 9/10

    St. Francis Girls’ SHS: 6/10

    End of Contest:

    Achimota School: 60pts

    Notre Dame Girls’ SHS: 41pts

    St. Francis Girls’ SHS: 17pts

    Do note Round 4 is not included. The statistics has not been provided by the NSMQ communication team via its social media handle, Facebook.

  • “Allow those who can pay school fees pay” – Prof Aryeetey calls for Free SHS review

    “Allow those who can pay school fees pay” – Prof Aryeetey calls for Free SHS review

    A former vice chancellor of the University of Ghana (UG), Professor Ernest Aryeetey, has urged the government to give Senior High Schools (SHSs) some autonomy in order to aid in enhancing the quality of education in the country.

    Such autonomy, he said, would give the schools the authority to mobilise funds to complement what the government provided for education, manage academic programmes and also help the schools protect their assets.

    Speaking at the 96th Founders’ Day of Achimota School in Accra last Saturday, Prof. Aryeetey, said Achimota School, for instance, had the potential to mobilise sufficient resources from parents and the private sector to help develop the school when given the autonomy to do so.

    “There are many other schools that could benefit from such an initiative, and that is why the Old Achimotans Association (OAA) has led the creation of an Alumni Council that brings together the leadership of about 40 schools to fight for such recognition for their schools,” he said.

    The 96th Founders’ Day was on the theme: “Achimota School and the Empowerment of Generations: The First 96 Years.”

    It was attended by many past and current students of the school, as well as foreign dignitaries.

    Some highlights of the event were cultural performances by the students depicting the major ethnic groups in the country and praises for the founders of the school — Dr James Kwegyir Aggrey, Dr Frederick Gordon Guggisberg and Reverend Alexander Garden Fraser.

    No elitism

    Prof. Aryeetey, himself an old student of Achimota School, was of the view that allowing schools, especially those regarded as top schools, to be independent or granting them some form of autonomy would not lead to elitism.

    Rather, he said, it would be an opportunity for the schools to be innovative and find means to develop individually to improve on their services to the country.

    For instance, he said, Achimota School was a model educational institution set up by the colonial government in 1927 with a governing council that was independent and autonomous, with a mandate to develop generations of leaders in all spheres.

    “The proposal for an autonomous SHS will not lead to elitism, if managed properly, just as the colonial government had planned. It will rather provide and raise leaders in all spheres of life who will transform this nation for the next century.

    “We recognise that Achimota School needs to be free to mobilise resources that are required for it to become effective in transforming lives and empowering generations,” he stressed.

    The suggestion by Prof. Aryeetey comes on the back of numerous calls by civil society organisations, notable personalities and interest groups for the government to stop the wholesale free SHS policy by allowing parents who can pay fees to pay.

    For example, in July last year, the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) urged the government to review the free SHS policy to allow “rich parents” to pay fees.

    According to the Director of Research of the IEA, Dr John Kwakye, such a move could help lessen the fiscal pressure on the government in the wake of the economic challenges facing the country.

    “I am not against free SHS because human capital creates fiscal capital… but if some people can afford its payment, then let them pay, or we can even do cost-sharing,” he said.

    Challenges

    The Headmaster of Achimota School, Ebenezer Graham-Acquah, said the school had, throughout its 96 years of existence, produced men and women who were leaders in various fields and had contributed positively to national development.

    However, he said, the school faced certain challenges, such as lack of adequate infrastructure to cater for the needs of its numerous students.

    Another big challenge, he said, was the encroachment on its lands, adding that more than 100 acres of the school land had been encroached upon by people.

  • I was nearly deboardenised for being outspoken – Dr Spio-Garbrah

    I was nearly deboardenised for being outspoken – Dr Spio-Garbrah

    A former Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah has revealed that his headmaster nearly deboardenised him because he had been outspoken on issues he deemed critical.

    According to him, during his time at the Achimota School, he organised a demonstration against one of his teachers who was “misbehaving.”

    He said it was a platform that allowed other students to voice out their concerns against the teacher in question.

    ”One of my teachers wanted me to remain a Day – student because unknown to myself, I was also radical in my thinking and so because he was misbehaving, I helped to organized some students to demonstrate against him, and we organised a meeting with him in the Gyamfi House, that’s the house I was in. There was a barrage of accusation against him. So he got very red in the face and walked out the common room.”

    He added that his school prefect had revealed to him that his master was quite unhappy with his approach.

    According to the politician, the master had wanted to expel him from the boarding house but found out his parents’ diplomatic status.

    Recalling what his headmaster had written on his report card, he said “were I not to know that his father is serving Ghana as an ambassador outside the country, I would have no hesitation to recommend that you should be made a day student.”

    Dr. Spio-Garbrah explained that at the time the situation occurred, late former President Jerry John Rawlings lived near his home and must have heard about it.

    He said the incident must have influenced the decision of the late President to appoint him to lead the communications team of the National Democratic Congress and “speak better to the people of Ghana.”

    The politician revealed that he was recruited together with other children into a “young pioneer movement” and were taught public service skills.

    He is of the view that today’s young people do not understand what being a pioneer was at the time, saying many youth only care about big houses and cars.

    He explained that his mother would normally emphasize that public service is service to the people and that had stuck with him forever.

    Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah was appointed as the Minister for Trade and Industry from 2014 to 2017 under the Mahama administration. He was the Minister for Education under late President Jerry John Rawlings from 1998 to 2001 and also served as Ghana Ambassador to the United States of America in 1994 to 1997.

    Source: Myjoyonline

  • Delta variant of coronavirus: 89 out of 135 infected Achimota students recover

    The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced that 89 out of the 135 students of Achimota school who tested positive for the deadly Delta variant of the coronavirus have recovered,.

    Between the 14th and 16th June 2021, 3 students were presented to the Achimota School Sickbay with influenza-like symptoms, a statement said on Sunday July 4.

    All 3 were investigated for COVID-19 in line with laid down protocols.

    They tested positive prompting the activation of the Public Health Emergency Rapid Response Teams (PHERRT) of the Greater Accra Region and the Okaikoi North Municipal of the GHS.

    All 3 students were isolated following existing protocols •Other symptomatic students and contacts were identified, listed and also tested for COVID-19. All contacts placed in mandatory quarantine on campus.

    The statement added “As of the 3rd July 2021, 843 students and staff had been sampled. 348 boarding students, 459 are day students, 36 teaching and non-teaching staff tested. Results available for 550 samples, total positive 135 ,pending results- 293 (samples collected on the 3rd July for day students)

    “All 135 cases at the time of diagnosis were either asymptomatic or had mild to moderate illness •One staff among those affected •Approximately two-thirds of cases have recovered.”

    Source: 3news.com

  • The great man on the 5 cedis note: Here is everything you need to know about him

    Hastings Kamuzu Banda, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Kwame Nkrumah, Mfantsipim and Achimota schools, what do all these people and educational institutions share for all their intents and purpose?

    A straightforward google research will uncover that they all had a connection to Gold Coast scholarly, evangelist, and instructor, Reverend Dr James Emman Kwegyir-Aggrey.

    Banda, Azikwe and Nkrumah all turned into the primary leaders of their individual nations in the wake of establishing critical connections with the African freedom during his African visit.

    Who is J.E Kwegyir-Aggrey

    As indicated by students of history, Kwegyir-Aggrey was conceived in Anomabu in the Central Region on October 18, 1875 to Okyeame Kwadwo Kwegyir, a companion of the then ace chieftain Amonu IV and his significant other, Princess Abena Anowa of Ajumako.

    Dr Kwegyir-Aggrey was the seventeenth offspring of his dad and fourth of his mom Abena Anowa, third and last spouse of Okyeame Kwegyir.

    He was given his baptism in the Gold Coast and he was named James.

    Educational Background 

    Preceding his eighteenth birthday celebration, he enlisted at the Wesley Boys Senior High School (presently Mfantsipim School) in Cape Coast, where he was noted by his European guides as a skilled and special person as he was at that point learning Greek and Latin. He later turned into the school’s prinicipal

    In 1989, he moved to the United States subsequently so that he can be taught to become a preacher. At the Livingstone College, he studied chemistry, physics, logic, economics, and politics as well as him winning 3 degrees and 2 doctorates in theology and osteopathy.

    Aggrey was a multilingual person and an etymologist who was known to communicate in English, French, German, Greek and Latin.

    Life and Career 

    In November 190, he was delegated a priest in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Salisbury. After two years, he wedded his significant better-half and companion, Rose Douglas, a local of Virginia and the couple had four kids during their marriage.

    In 1920 he visited Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Gold Coast, Cameroon and Nigeria. In 1921 he visited the Belgian Congo, Angola and South Africa which had a critical effect on the informed elites and freedom developments in these nations.

    His enthusiastic discourse persuaded Governor Guggsiberg to turn Achimota school to a co-instructive foundation. He was delegated as the first Vice Principal of Achimota School by Sir Guggisberg so as to help Rev Fraser.

    “The surest method to hold individuals down is to teach the men and disregard the ladies. On the off chance that you instruct a man, you just teach an individual, yet on the off chance that you teach a lady, you instruct an entire country,” Aggrey said.

    James Kwegyir-Aggrey taught Dr Kwame Nkrumah as his student whiles he was in Achimota School then Government Training College and presented him to Marcus Garvey and other social liberties activists.

    He planned the insignia of Achimota School and migrated to Ghana with his better half and youngsters. In May 1927 he went back to the United States, and in July he was admitted to a clinic in Harlem, New York, where he kicked the bucket soon thereafter.

    Aggrey is being burried in the Oakdale Cemetery in Salisbury, North Carolina.

    At the point when the Bank of Ghana praised its 60th Anniversary in 2017, it respected him by utilizing his picture on the dedicatory 5 cedis bill.

    The Aggrey Memorial A.M.E. Zion Senior High School in Cape Coast was named after him.

    Achimota School and Mfantsipim additionally named their sanctuary and private structures for male understudies separately after its celebrated child.

    Structures named after Aggrey incorporate Aggrey Student Union at Livingstone College, and J.E.K. Aggrey Memorial Gymtorium at Landis Elementary School, which was comstructed in the previous area of Aggrey Memorial High School, and in 1933 for African-American kids.

    Source: opera.com