For the first time in our school’s history, Amaniampong SHS has reached the semifinals of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) — a remarkable achievement for both the school and the Mampong municipality.

Back in our days, our strengths were in the arts, debates, music, and culture. Science and Maths competitions were not our strong area, and we had never even made it past the preliminaries. But under the visionary leadership of our now headmistress — who was my housemistress back then — the school has turned a new page.

Watching our students advance from the prelims to the semifinals filled me with pride. Though they didn’t make the finals, their journey is a symbol of transformation and possibility.

I noticed the boys displayed great brilliance but seemed to lack confidence. That is where we, the old students, must step in — to encourage, mentor, and remind them that Amaniampong is as capable as any Category A school. I also hope our girls will be encouraged to take part in future competitions, because their brilliance deserves that same spotlight.

Next year, I’ll be there in person to cheer them on. This is only the beginning of a new era for Amaniampong.

I was Lordina Konadu Yiadom back in school — now known in media and radio circles as AbenaKay Yiadom — still carrying the pride of Amaniampong wherever I go.

The writer, Lordina Konadu Yiadom, is a member of the Class of 2014, Asenso House at Amaniampong SHS

In the petition dated November 3, 2025, the alumni expressed concern over what they described as the school’s “persistent decline” in recent years, saying St. Peter’s has struggled to uphold its legacy as one of Ghana’s top science schools.

They cited the school’s recent performance in the 2025 NSMQ semi-finals against Opoku Ware School (OWASS) and Achimota School, where PERSCO failed to answer any questions in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics during the first round and finished with just 10 points — the lowest in its NSMQ history.

“This result is deeply embarrassing and a national disgrace for a science school of our calibre and legacy,” the statement read.

The group attributed the decline to poor strategy, lack of coaching support, and administrative neglect of the NSMQ programme.

They urged management to take inspiration from schools like PRESEC, Prempeh College, and St. Augustine’s College, which have bounced back from similar setbacks through structured planning and renewed commitment.

The old students emphasised that restoring St. Peter’s reputation requires deliberate reforms, effective leadership, and consistent investment in academic excellence.

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The contests, which mark the beginning of the knockout stages, will see schools from all corners of the nation test their knowledge, accuracy, and speed in Science and Mathematics. The three-day event runs from Sunday, 26th October to Tuesday, 28th October 2025.

The preliminary contests were held from Monday, October 20, to Thursday, October 24, 2025, featuring schools from across the country in a series of intellectually charged matchups filled with excitement, rivalry, and moments of brilliance. The contest initially began with 174 schools participating in that year’s championship.

The opening day features a fierce line-up of top-performing schools, including Ghana National College, Adonten SHS, Tamale SHS, Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS), Bishop Herman College, and reigning champions Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC, Legon). Others joining the contest are St. Hubert Seminary SHS, Prempeh College, and Mfantsipim School.

Monday’s contests promise equally intense showdowns with Aburi Presby SHS, Osei Tutu SHS, St. James Seminary SHS, Swedru Secondary School, Pope John SHS and Minor Seminary, Mpraeso SHS, Wesley Girls’ High School, St. John’s School, and St. Augustine’s College all taking the stage.

The final day, Tuesday, 28th October, will see St. Peter’s SHS, Ghana SHS, Koforidua, Mawuli School, Apam SHS, Accra Academy, Opoku Ware School, Achimota School, Koforidua Secondary Technical School, and Keta SHTS competing for spots in the quarterfinals.

The NSMQ, organised by Primetime Limited in partnership with the Ghana Education Service and sponsored by GOIL, continues to inspire academic excellence and foster healthy competition among Ghana’s senior high schools.

School supplies

As the One-Eighth Stage begins, anticipation is high among students, alumni, and supporters who hope their schools will advance to the coveted quarterfinals and edge closer to claiming the 2025 NSMQ trophy.

Accra Academy, O’reilly SHS, Ghanata SHS, and Accra High School faced off in what was undoubtedly one of the most unpredictable and hard-fought contests of the championship so far. With only one semi-final slot remaining, the stakes could not have been higher.

Round one saw a fairly even performance from all four schools. Accra High School took early advantage of bonus points and led the round with 20 points. O’reilly SHS followed closely with 18 points. Seeded school Accra Academy found themselves in third place with 14 points, while Ghanata SHS struggled, finishing the round with just 8 points.

With the contest still wide open, round two brought more tension. Although Accra Academy and Accra High managed to answer a few questions correctly, all schools made notable errors that cost them valuable points. By the end of the round, Accra Academy had surged to the top with 22 points, Accra High stayed in second with 20, and O’reilly SHS dropped to 16 after point deductions. Ghanata SHS also lost ground, falling to just 4 points.

The true or false round, often a make-or-break stage, lived up to its reputation. Ghanata SHS continued to struggle, while O’reilly SHS mounted a remarkable comeback. By the end of the round, O’reilly had tied with Accra Academy at 32 points, with Accra High just behind at 30. Ghanata, unfortunately, dropped further and ended the round with just 2 points.

Then came the final round, the riddle segment, where speed, wit, and nerves of steel matter most. Accra Academy took the first riddle, igniting wild cheers from their supporters. Ghanata answered the second correctly, showing late form. None of the schools got the third riddle right, and O’reilly SHS grabbed the fourth, bringing the round and regulation time to a close.

With both Accra Academy and O’reilly SHS locked at 35 points, the contest headed into a dramatic tie-breaker to determine who would clinch the final semifinal slot. The auditorium was electric with tension.

In the tie-breaker, both schools fumbled the first question. Accra Academy bounced back and answered the second correctly, pulling ahead. O’reilly missed once again. Accra Academy then sealed their victory by answering the third tie-breaker question correctly, securing the final spot in the semifinals.

It was a contest filled with twists, upsets, and a thrilling finish and in the end, it was Accra Academy that emerged victorious. They now join Presbyterian Boys’ SHS, St Thomas Aquinas SHS, Chemu SHTS, and Achimota School in what promises to be a fiercely competitive semi-final stage.

Source: Benedicta Adobea Asare

At the SGS Auditorium on the University of Cape Coast campus, five schools battled it out for a chance to advance — and the stakes could not have been higher.

Despite trailing in second place for the first three rounds, Mankessim SHTS staged a remarkable comeback in the final round to edge past Assin State College by a narrow 2-point margin.

Mankessim SHTS set the tone early, picked up major questions, and scooped bonuses that eluded their opponents. But Assin State College did not let up either.

They dominated round one, aced all their questions, and capitalised on bonus opportunities. By the end of the round, they led with 27 points, five points ahead of Mankessim SHTS. Gomoa Gyaman SHS, Komenda SHTS, and Oguaa SHTS trailed behind with 3, 12, and 11 points respectively.

In the speed race of round two, Assin State College was quick to respond, grabbed the first question and nailed it. Komenda SHTS, Oguaa SHTS, and Mankessim SHTS got a few right too, but Assin State continued to lead with 37 points. Mankessim SHTS followed closely with 33, while the rest struggled to keep up.

The true-or-false round intensified as schools raced to secure every point they could. Assin State College held the lead at 45 points, with Mankessim SHTS breathing down their necks at 40. Komenda SHTS stood at 19, Oguaa SHTS at 17, and Gomoa Gyaman SHS at 13.

But just when it seemed settled, the final riddle round shook things up. Mankessim SHTS snatched two riddles right, stunned the crowd, and overtook Assin State College with a thrilling 2-point lead.

As the Central Regional qualifiers are unfolding, over 40 schools are locking horns for the chance to be crowned regional champions. With upsets already in motion and tensions rising, this year’s NSMQ qualifiers are proving anything but predictable and it’s only just beginning.

Source: Myjoyonline

Ms. Rockson, a student at Wesley Girls Senior High School, will pursue a BSc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Academic City.

The Academic City Presidential Scholarship recognizes students with excellent academic performance, leadership potential, and a commitment to positive societal impact.

This scholarship covers all four years of tuition, housing, meals, a laptop, a monthly stipend, and transportation for students from outside Accra.

Academic City is a premium STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and entrepreneurial tertiary institution set to redefine education in Ghana and across Africa.

Since its inception, the university has emerged as a beacon of excellence in education, committed to shaping young adults into problem-solving future leaders through innovative and transformative learning experiences.

This commitment has resulted in the university being ranked 15th in Sub-Saharan Africa and 2nd in Ghana by Times Higher Education (THE).

Ms. Rockson’s goal is to improve energy solutions in Ghana by finding alternative ways to generate electricity and reducing reliance on traditional sources. Her passion for Electrical and Electronics Engineering aligns with her desire to create impactful change in her community.

She expressed excitement about studying in Ghana, noting the importance of understanding local issues firsthand to create meaningful solutions before expanding her work internationally.

She believes Academic City will provide the education and mentorship needed to bring her vision to life.

Ms. Shannan Akosua Magee, Director of Admissions at Academic City, remarked, “Ms. Rockson’s story is truly inspiring. While many students applied for the scholarship, she stood out by confidently sharing her achievements and future goals. Her dedication to addressing Ghana’s challenges shows her strong character and leadership potential.”

Ms. Magee reiterated Academic City’s commitment to providing a world-class education that empowers students to lead and make positive change.

In an electrifying showdown, KETASCO outclassed two formidable rivals—Tamale SHS (TAMASCO) and Koforidua SHTS—in a battle filled with twists, turns and jaw-dropping moments that kept audiences on the edge of their seats until the very last second.

The semi-final contest, held at the prestigious SGS auditorium where spectators had packed to witness greatness on the morning of Sunday, October 27, was nothing short of spectacular.

These three academic giants locked horns, with each school gunning for a coveted spot in the grand finale. But from the onset, KETASCO made it clear: they were not here to merely participate—they were here for glory.

Determined to rewrite history after narrowly missing the ultimate prize in the 2022 finals against the powerhouse Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School, KETASCO left no room for doubt. This time, they were unstoppable.

KETASCO announced their presence right from the first round, storming to a 19-point lead while Tamale SHS trailed with 14 points, and Koforidua SHTS struggled at 9 point. The auditorium buzzed with tension and excitement, as the KETASCO supporters erupted in chants, their confidence growing with every correct answer.

But the battle was far from over. The second round saw the contest heat up as each school displayed sharp intellect and teamwork. In a jaw-dropping twist, Koforidua SHTS turned the tables, overtaking its challengers with a brilliant burst of points, clinching the lead at 17. KETASCO slipped to second with 16 points, while TAMASCO held steady at 14.

KETASCO, however, was not one to back down. The third and fourth rounds became their playground, as they mounted a sensational comeback, reclaiming the top spot with an astounding 29 points. Their rivals could only watch in awe as KETASCO surged forward like a tidal wave. Koforidua SHTS fought valiantly but dropped to second with 27 points, while TAMASCO struggled to keep pace with 21.

The final moments were a masterclass in determination and teamwork. Keta SHS sealed their victory with a commanding 38 points, securing their place in the grand finale and sending a clear message to all contenders—they are back and stronger than ever.

Koforidua SHTS ended with 27 points, a solid effort that was not enough to halt KETASCO’s momentum. Tamale SHS wrapped up their campaign with 24 points, bowing out of the competition.

KETASCO’s triumph has reignited the hopes and dreams of their fans, affirming their place among the elite contenders of the 2024 NSMQ. With the finals now within reach, the Volta stars are ready to take on whatever challenge lies ahead.

The 2024 National Science and Maths Quiz is produced by Primetime Limited and sponsored by the Ghana Education Service in partnership with GOIL PLC and supported by Pepsodent, Jupay, and Prudential Life Insurance Ghana.

The broadcast of the National Science & Maths Quiz on JoyNews is supported by NASCO, VitaMilk, Virtual Security Africa, Ace Medical Insurance, Built Financial Technologies, DBS Roofing, Sintex Tanks, Family Health Medical School,  Chopbox Technologies and Action Secondary Technical School.

Source: Prince Adu-Owusu

The all-girls school pulled off a stunning victory, overtaking fellow contenders Aburi Girls’ SHS and Notre Dame Girls’ SHS to secure a place in the one-eighth stage of the NSMQ 2024.

In a highly competitive showdown, all three schools gave their best, but Accra Girls proved that sometimes, brains and perseverance are all you need to reign supreme.

A Tough All-Girls Battle

The contest, which featured three powerhouse girls’ schools, was a tense affair from start to finish. Accra Girls took an early lead, showing their mettle in the opening rounds.

Notre Dame Girls followed closely, not letting their opponents get too comfortable. Accra Girls SHS, having waited ten long years for this moment, had no plans of letting it slip through their fingers.

With determination and strategy, they held their ground and strategically seized the lead when it mattered most.

Their calmness under pressure and quick thinking in the latter rounds proved to be the deciding factor, pushing them ahead of Aburi and Notre Dame to clinch victory.

The Return of Accra Girls SHS

This triumph marks a major comeback for Accra Girls SHS. Their victory not only breaks their long drought but also signals their intent to be a serious contender in this year’s NSMQ.

The school’s fans and old girls alike have expressed their excitement on social media, hailing this victory as the dawn of a new era for Accra Girls SHS in the NSMQ.

What’s Next for Accra Girls SHS?

As they head into the one-eighth stage, all eyes will be on Accra Girls to see if they can keep up the momentum and challenge some of the big names in the competition. After this impressive performance, it’s clear that they have the brains and the heart to go far.

Source: Jacqueline Ansomah Yeboah

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This eagerly awaited school quiz competition is making a grand return, with schools from across the country preparing for the thrilling national championship showdown.

More than 100 schools have entered the competition, all competing for the prestigious trophy and top honours.

Out of this impressive field, 27 schools have secured a slot in the one-eighth stage of the national championship.

The centre of the intellectual showdown of the preliminary and one-eight stages is the Centre for National Culture (CNC), UCC Auditorium 900 and School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Auditorium where all participating schools will gather for the intellectual showdown.

The launch of the 2024 NSMQ and the balloting for the preliminary stage will take place at the New GNAT Hall on October 1 at 3 PM.

The preliminary rounds will be held from October 14 to October 17.

After the one-eighth stage, the successful schools will advance to the quarter-finals and semi-final stages, which will be held at the SGS Auditorium.

The national championship will conclude with the grand finale at the New Education Centre (NEC).

The 2024 NSMQ is produced by Primetime Limited and sponsored by the Ghana Education Service in partnership with Goil PLC.

The broadcast of the National Science and Maths Quiz on JoyNews and Joy Prime is supported by Vitamilk, NASCO, German Ozone Medical Center, Royal Foam, Jamaa Soap, Heritage Christian College, Virtual Security Africa, Ace Medical Insurance, Chopbox Technologies, Sintex Tank, DBS, Built Financial Technologies, Beta Malt, and Family Health University College.

Below are the schools contesting against each other in the preliminary stage of the national championship race.

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“We are more prepared than the Titanic ship. We can’t even sink. Expect the best from us. Of course, we are Methodist Senior High. We are here to prove our best”, one of the contestants bragged.

This level of enthusiasm from the green boys and girls could only be justified on the fact that they have never broken out of the shells to qualify to the national stage in the history of the National Science and Math Quiz (NSMQ).

“This year, we want to go to the national. It’s like they are considering us like some underdogs. So they’ve exempted us from their budget. Meanwhile, we are the main item to consider. What we are here to show them, unless the contest doesn’t happen”, another contestant boasted.

But, this momentum couldn’t be sustained for long.

By the end of Round One, Methodist SHS had begun their lead from the bottom with only 9 points. The trialing continued all through until they finished all four rounds, managing just 12 points (adding a point each from the remaining 3 rounds).

Fiaseman SHS carried the day with 50 points, leaving Sekondi College behind with 38 points, Ahantaman Girl’s SHS 24 points, and Methodist SHS 12 points.

The contestants after the competition, have a justification for their not too enterprising performance. According to them, they have misplaced their ‘X and Y’ on stage.

“We interchanged our X and our Ys, and I think that was the problem. But better luck to us next year. You see, in the film the parts have been found later so it means, our parts can also be found. We are going to work harder so look out for us next year” one contestant promised.

The second contestant added “We thought they were preparing palm nut soup. But when we came, we realised that they were preparing light soup. So the ingredient we had was different.”

He continued, “It’s not that we were misled. We didn’t buy enough ingredient. We should have bought ingredients for palm nut soup, light soup, and groundnut soup before we came. Next year, we’ll come well prepared.”

Methodist Senior High School will look forward to another year to hopefully qualify.

The NSMQ train is beginning its trail in the national capital, Accra, and in the Bono region this week with fifty schools, including one-time champion, St. Thomas Aquinas, beginning their campaign for a second trophy from the regional qualifications.

It’s always an indescribable feeling when your school makes it to the national competition of the most anticipated battle of the wits.

The 2024 National Science and Maths Quiz is ready for another year of intense academic showdowns.

Bono region’s Sunyani SHS and Notre Dame SHS are joining 14 others to lock horns and aim for an appearance on the national stage.

2023 national debutants, Methodist SHS-Berekum and Goka SHTS, hope to shatter the ceiling yet again and cement their stance as one of the best schools in the region.

Greater Accra’s regional qualification will see one-time champions of the quiz, St. Thomas Aquinas, seeking to make a return to the hall of fame.

The Old Toms were sent packing by St. James Seminary SHS after qualifying to the one-eighth stage of last year’s competition as one of the top losing schools.

Accra Girls SHS and St. Mary’s Girls SHS remain two of the female schools in the region anticipating a qualification after at least three years of missing out.

The battle, they say, is not for the strongest but the swift. Who will make it to the national competition? Only time will tell…

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This initiative is in conjunction with Kelish Printing and Shed Light and the Assembly to enable Senior High Schools in the area to shine at the national level.

They organized a mathematics quiz among the three schools including, Akrokere Asare BEDIAKO, Dompoase, and Fomena T I Ahmadiya Senior High Schools.

Speaking to Adom news correspondent, Isaac K. Normanyo after the competition, the District Director of Education, Alhaji Ibrahim A. Amankwah said each of the three schools presented 100 students to participate in the quiz.

He pointed out that, the process will be continued so that the students will get a fair grasp of the subject to enable them to go and compete at the national level.

Mr. Amankwah explained that, most students fear mathematics but that notion is wrong as the subject should not be feared.

He added that, plans are underway to make the Math appealing to the students for them to understand.

“We have three Senior High Schools in our district. We have realized that we don’t always make it far when it comes to the NSMQ so we are using this opportunity to prepare our students. Over 100 students in each school sat for the quiz. We want the students to take Mathematics more seriously, most students are always afraid of the subject. We are hopefully going to change that with this initiative,” he said.

Some of the students who also spoke to Adom News said the quiz would go a long way to help them in their school examinations.

The three triumphed over students from Adisadel College, and St. Thomas Aquinas School, with 53 points to claim the bragging rights.

Wonder Sarfo-Ansah graduated from the UG Medical School, while Daniel Osei Badu and Kofi Konadu Boakye graduated from the KNUST Medical School.

The organisers of NMSQ in an X post congratulated the three and wished them well as they embark on future endeavors.

“We wish them the very best as they embark on this new journey!”

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Here is the tweet:

Congratulations to the Prempeh College NSMQ 2017 Champions on their graduation from Medical School.

Wonder Sarfo-Ansah graduated from the UG Medical School, while Daniel Osei Badu and Kofi Konadu Boakye graduated from the KNUST Medical School

We wish them the very best as… pic.twitter.com/gLtJREvSRy

— National Science & Maths Quiz (@NSMQGhana) November 17, 2023

According to her, he failed marriage is a major failure given the expectation that marriage is a lifelong commitment.

“When you get married, you are expected to stay for life, so I consider the breakup of my marriage as one of my biggest failures because I went in for life, but life happened,” she said.

Her divorce, Prof Kaufmann stated was a difficult period for her, but she has since moved past it and emerged stronger.

If not for anything, she has been blessed with three children; two girls and a male, from her marriage with her Caucasian partner.

The NSMQ mistress used her personal experience to offer valuable advice to young men and women to make wise choices and have a deeper understanding of the commitments they are entering into before marriage.

She noted that, human beings are not static, people evolve and change over time, so it is crucial to find a partner who can grow with you.

“Know that humans are not static so if you get married based on what you see at that time, mind you, people change, they grow, so get someone who will grow at the same pace as you” she said.

Prof Kaufman was speaking in an interview on Accra-based Starr FM monitored by Adomonline.com.

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This would be the first time a President would be gracing the National quiz since its inception 30 years ago.

The finals of the well patronised quiz competition would be happening on Monday, October 30, 2023 at the National Theater in Accra.

There would be a performance by VocalEssence Choral Ghana’s, Priscilla Quaye.

The NSMQ 2023 grand finale will be a battle of two-time champions Opoku Ware School (OWASS), seven-time champions Presbyterian Boys Senior High, Legon (PRESEC), and two-time champions, Achimota School (MOTOWN).

All schools are geared up and ready to make history as champions of the sciences in Ghana.

Family, friends, and the community gathered to bid a heartfelt farewell to brilliant young man.

James Lutterodt, aged just 19, had been a pivotal member of the Keta Senior High School team at NSMQ event in the 2021 finale.

Tragically, he succumbed to a brief illness on July 1, at a hospital in Tema.

The mourners, still grappling with the untimely loss, struggled to come to terms with the news.

Stephen Mawunyo Gadzo, the father of Senyo Gadzo, a fellow contestant and close friend of the late James Edem Lutterodt, shared his profound grief with journalists during an interview.

He described James as more than a friend, almost like a son, someone he would often chat with on WhatsApp and engage in meaningful discussions.

Stephen expressed the overwhelming sense of loss and the difficulty in comprehending the tragic circumstances surrounding James’ passing. He concluded, “I give thanks to God because there is nothing we can do at this last hour.”

A pre-burial service was conducted at the Tema Community Centre in Accra, where Francis Jackson Ahiable, a close family friend, delivered a touching tribute on behalf of James’ mother.

In her tribute, she conveyed her deep sorrow and shared cherished memories of her beloved son, James Lutterodt.

“Why couldn’t death spare you? You had your whole life ahead of you, but God knows best. James, I miss you and think of you all the time. How I wish I could have you here. Death took you away from my hand but not from my heart and I shed tears when I say your name. There is no one who misses you more than me and I will treasure my memories of you forever because you live in my heart. Rest in peace, my dear son.”

They managed to escape defeat by their hair’s breath after Abuakwa State College (ABUSCO), who entered the finals as the top runners-up at the semi finals, gave them a good run for their money.

The yellow-shirted boys in Eastern region’s Effiduase are hoping to clinch their second national trophy to end their twenty-two-year trophy drought.

The school won its last national trophy in 2001 and has since not qualified to at least the finals of the competition.

The last round of the competition saw a nip-and-tuck bout between Pope John SHS (POJOSS) and ABUSCO after the latter went two points ahead of POJOSS in the third round.

But the “Vela Damus” boys lived up to their school’s motto, setting sail ahead of their closest contender after whisking one of the riddles.

They won the final regional championship contest with 34 points while ABUSCO came behind them with 32 points.

Three-time national champions, St. Peter’s SHS wallowed at third position with 17 points.

Many had tipped a stiff competition between Pope John SHS and St. Peter’s SHS after the two schools pulled an impressive performance at the semi-finals stage.

But PERSCO appeared lost in the final contest as they failed to bring their A-game.

Shouting “El Regreso”, the boys from POJOSS are optimistic of a better performance at the nationals as they anticipate their first appearance at the finals of this year’s tournament after many years.

Meanwhile, it is the 30th anniversary since the inception of the annual quiz competition.

As the regional championship closes, organizers of the all-time favorite academic decathlon, Primetime Limited are promising exciting activities at the national competition slated for October 2023.

Presenting the items at a short ceremony, the National President of OBOSA, Mr Samuel Kwesi Appah-Peniel, said the support to the school was a response to an appeal made to the old students association through the headmaster of the school, Mr Johnson Hawkson Arthur.

Some of the items presented included a laptop, an internet router with data, beverages, and cash, among other items.

The OBOSA President, Mr Appah-Peniel, said the donation of ICT equipment to the NSMQ team was aimed at helping the team in their research work in preparing the students for the national championship.

He said findings indicate that the use of ICT in mathematics and science education has positively impacted teaching and learning.

According to him, the studies reviewed reported improved student engagement, motivation, and achievement in mathematics, as well as improved teacher effectiveness and confidence in their ability to teach mathematics.

In the field of science, Mr Appah-Peniel said some experiments and concepts in science could be demonstrated effectively using simulations and animations.

He added that a prototype of new research in the field of science could be built in various program software which runs on a computer.

He was hopeful that the support would motivate the students to study harder than before to cross the quarter-final mark set by their predecessors in the NSMQ championship.

In addition, the president advised the team to remain focused and determined to bring the trophy home.

He assured them of the continuous support of the old students towards the NSMQ team.

The honour of winning the annual competition organized by PrimeTime production, in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service, has encouraged many old student associations across the country to assist and equip their alma mater teams to put up an outstanding performance in the competition.

Receiving the items on behalf of the school and the NSMQ team, Mr Johnson Hawkson Arthur, the headmaster of the school, expressed his gratitude to the old students association for their kind gesture.

He assured the association that the items and cash received would be put to good use.

He also took the opportunity to enumerate some challenges facing the Science and Maths Quiz team and called for more assistance to aid them.

The NSMQ team promised to cross the quarter-final stage reached by their predecessors and move to win the national championship.

The National President of OBOSA, Mr Appah-Peniel, was accompanied by Ms Sylvia Omane Bonsie, the National Financial Secretary; Mr Michael Kwasi Djasah, National Treasurer; Mr Charles Amenu, National Organizer; Madam Edna Stonson, 2003 Year Group treasurer; and Hajia Latifah Abdul-Rahaman, 2005 Year Group member.

In attendance were Mr John Semenu-NSMQ coordinator; Mr Owusu Bempah- Chemistry and Mr Richard Kafui Akorli- Physics.

Others present were Mrs Selina Ntim, Mr Bryan Agbenyegah and Gad Nii Hammond.

Deborah Ntijah, Comfort Nnipaa Amo, Christopher Amoah Amponsah and Caleb Akase Kater are the NSMQ contestants.

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The two students defied the odds to make a debut representation for their school at the regional qualifiers of the competition.

With only their scanty knowledge of the pure sciences and a month’s preparation, the girls resolved to sit with experienced schools to battle for a national slot.

They pushed aside their cost accounting and finance books to make a daring first-time appearance at the competition.

When the call for schools in the Upper East region to participate in this year’s regional qualifiers was made, Wiaga Community Day School did not hesitate to make a representation.

Despite offering only two programs – General Arts and Business – at the school, their teachers were resolved to make a debut attempt at the quiz.

Ruth Awusumbiik and Gifty Abiuuk were selected from among the 70 student population of the school to bear the torch.

Gifty Abiuuk expressed her utmost gladness to have represented her school.

“Initially, I did not agree to do it. But it got to a point where they told me it was just a trial so I should attempt to boost the name of my school.

“Many schools want this opportunity but they couldn’t. If I have this opportunity to be able to do something, then it’s a great opportunity for us,” Gifty said.

The girls faced stiff competition from Awe SHTS, an experienced school, and Kusanaba SHS.

The first two bouts of the contest proved tough as the girls only managed to secure 2 points.

The five-member team travelled all the way from their small village in the Builsa North district to Bolgatanga together with their two teachers.

“Some teachers with motorbikes transported us to Sandema SHS, where we joined them to come to Bolga. We have no bus. There are literally no resources at the school to support the students,” their teacher, Abraham Awhia Adia, said.

Taking inspiration from the hours of meandering their way, the girls say they were resolved to make history.

“At first it was difficult for us because we know nothing about Chemistry, Physics, and Biology. We said to ourselves we can’t go home without anything.

“So we made our effort to answer some of the questions. Some of them we couldn’t. But we pushed harder to not waste the hours we spent travelling down here to the quiz,” Gifty Abiiuk said.

They garner 12 points at the end of their contest, placing second behind Awe SHTS.

Their quest and propensity to exit the competition with at least a better score captured the admiration of the audience that filled the GNAT hall in Bolgatanga to cheer them on.

Not only did they steal the attention of the audience, but the quiz master Fiifi Amoah Hope was amazed by their grit.

“If you consider the fact that they were in a contest with people who were science students who virtually didn’t show up, then one would congratulate them for their effort.

“Because have the courage to move up the stage to sit with Science students for a science and maths contest, I think it’s admirable,” he said.

For Ruth, the experience gained was worth the risk.

“I’ve gained a lot as I have engaged myself with different kinds of people. I’ve learnt about new things. I am no longer the same as I came here. I’ll be a different person in my learnings,” she said.

According to her, the underwhelming performance of girls’ schools is because they do not prioritise the contest compared to boys’ schools.

She mentioned this in an exclusive interview with Roselyn Felli on Prime Morning on Wednesday.

“What I’ve come to realise is that the girls’ schools do not take this competition as seriously as the boys’ schools are doing, because if they did, I would see them doing some of the things that the boys or mixed schools are doing,” Prof. Kaufmann indicated.

Additionally, she mentioned that consistently winning schools have a pipeline of students they groom to be contestants in the main competition.

This, she said, is due to how such schools have valued the quiz competition over the years.

“They start their selections even before they get to their final year, and they step up on stage. They have a team from the first year, the second year, and the final year, and all of these teams are watching to get themselves ready,” she added.

However, the majority of the girls’ schools, she believes, only select their final-year students to compete after their mock examination, which is usually late to make much impact.

Herself a product of a girls’ school, the quiz mistress expressed disappointment over their poor performance.

Prof. Elsie Kaufmann has served as the quiz mistress for the National Science and Math Quiz since 2006.

But interestingly, she does not have a memorable experience with the contest.

She said, “I usually don’t remember the details of a contest once I’m done with it.”

On the other hand, she enjoys very much her interactions with contestants from the various schools.

Alex Opoku Manu and Benjamin Eyram Degbey have been given bragging rights as first and second respectively out of the millions who sat for the exams across the five-member West African countries.

Though both contestants from the St James Seminary SHS did not clench the title as the best students and school in Ghana, their results in the WASSCE has cemented the fact that they are the best of the best.

The brilliant students will be presented the International Excellent Award organized for overall best students on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.

The award will be presented to the candidates at the Opening Ceremony of the 71st Annual Council Meeting to be held in Banjul, Gambia.

This was contained in separate letters the West African Examination council wrote to their alma mata, dated January 30, 2023.

Find attached letters below:

A Supreme Court Judge, Justice Prof. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, has said that challenges encountered by girls’ schools in preparing for the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) affect their success in the competition.

Speaking in an interview with JoyNews’ Mamavi Owusu-Aboagye, she explained that winning the NSMQ is about practice and preparation which girls’ schools may have difficulty executing, because of parents’ attachment to their daughters.

She said that “when I hear the kind of preparation and practice the boys’ schools put their contestants through, then I know it will be a challenge for the young women because parents tend to want their daughters to come home during vacation. Most of the contestants stay on in school and parents don’t like that with their daughters.”

Using herself as an example, Prof Mensa-Bonsu said that as a young girl her parents first ask about her whereabouts when they came home just as many parents do in the case of their daughters.

“So I don’t think they would have agreed that I should just stay on in school preparing for a contest two years ahead as the boys do,” she noted.

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Prof Mensa-Bonsu added that “the young ladies are every bit as intelligent and capable as the boys but with everything you need practice and they just don’t have the time.” 

This comes after people raised concerns following the elimination of all the girls’ schools in the 2022 NSMQ contest.

Prof Mensa-Bonsu’s alma mater, Wesley Girls High School, was for the first time in eight years unseeded and will have to start the contest from the regional qualifiers.

They are also the only girls’ school to make it to the finals. They made their first appearance at the finals in 1999 against Mfantsipim but the latter won.

The final year student, whose excellent performance saw the Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC) lift their seventh trophy of the NSMQ, also contributed to the school reaching the finals of The Shark competition.

During the semi-finals of the season 5 of The Sharks Quiz against Labone SHS , Alfred ‘crippled’ his opponent with his speed race tactics during the science edition.

He correctly answered over 10 questions, leaving the quiz master in complete awe.

Without waiting for the entire question to be read out, Alfred’s button was already buzzing, with his answer prepared.

Nicknamed Alfredo by the vociferous Presecans, his sterling performance earned him the award for Best in Stem after they secured their way to the grand finale of the quiz.

Watch video below:

Since 1993, when Primetime Limited started the NSMQ productions, Prof. William Asomaning has been one of the great brains behind the coveted national contest.

He was a member of the consulting team and was solely responsible for the head-aching chemistry questions contestants wracked their brains around on the famous stage.

Guess what? On Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at the Grand Finale of the 2022 edition of the NSMQ, his face was officially revealed amid massive applause in an atmosphere of awe and admiration.

The legendary professor received the highest distinction for his diligence, hard work and his “efforts to make the study of chemistry exciting to senior high school students and provide guidance to teachers through the NSMQ.”

A citation of honour was presented to him to appreciate the integral role he played in the development and growth of the NSMQ.

Prof Asomaning retired in 2021.

“We deeply value your insights, leadership and continued interest in the National Science and Maths Quiz. As you retire as consultant for chemistry, Prof William A. Asomaning, receive this award of honour as a token of our appreciation for your outstanding contribution to the growth and success of the National Science and Maths Quiz,” part of the citation read.

Indeed, he would be missed for his “beautiful questions.”

NSMQ 2022 Grand Finale

Prof William Asomaning received the honour at the closing ceremony of the 2022 NSMQ, which took place on Wednesday, October 26, 2022.

The final contest which followed right after the ceremony featured Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School, Prempeh College and Adisadel College.

The Presec-Legon boys successfully fought off Prempeh College’s threats of equalling two of their records in one swing.

A lot was on the line and the Legon boys fought for all of it. They came, they saw and they conquered.

For the seventh time, they cemented their record in the NSMQ.

The mother, who is also a Pharmacist, recounted how it’s been a dream for her son to participate in the national contest since childhood.

In an interview with JoyNews, she said her son, Alfred Ken-Nsiah, one of the contestants for PRESEC Legon in the 2022 NSMQ, prior to gaining admission into the school, watched the contest with his grandmother, a Presbyterian, while he was in the basic school.

Her vision, she said was for her son to be a part of the NSMQ team in PRESEC Legon when he gained admission.

“He entered PRESEC and called back home that there is going to be series of tests. He called back that by the Grace of God he has been chosen and so we started praying for him, supporting him in every single way that we could and to the Glory of God…it’s really a dream come true for my boy and I cannot imagine his joy,” she narrated to JoyNews’ Maxwell Agbagba.

Alfred recently won the best student in STEM in the 2022 Sharks Quiz.

According to Alfred Ken-Nsiah, he only got to know of PRESEC Legon through the National Science and Maths Quiz which inspired him to participate in the contest.

Also, the father of another contestant of PRESEC Legon, Kojo Anim Tenkorang, expressed gratitude to God for how far he brought the contestants.

“I want to give Glory to God and the one who has started good works in his life, he is going to accomplish it to glorify God,” he added.

The Presbyterian Boys Secondary School (PRESEC) has clinched a record-extending seventh National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) trophy after beating Prempeh College and Adisadel.

The boys successfully fought off Prempeh College’s threats of equalling two of their records in one swing.

Their back-to-back record is intact from the Prempeh College threat and they have extended their tally to seven trophies, two more than Prempeh College who sought to catch up.

Eden, who led Prempeh College to clinch their fifth title in the history of the prestigious competition, was the hero of the day as residents including children, adults, opinion leaders, and chiefs gathered to give him a rousing welcome.

His impeccable academic record caught the eyes of Old Students of Prempeh College and the Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem South and also Deputy Minister of Railways, Kwaku Asante-Boateng who collectively secured scholarship for him to study abroad.

Eden has won a scholarship to study Computer Engineering at the California Institute of Technology in the United States of America.

The chiefs, Queen Mothers, elders, opinion leaders, pastors and well-wishers took turns to bless and encourage him to hold high the flag of Ghana and particularly Morso as he embarks on another journey of his academic life.

Speaking to Adom News’ correspondent Isaac Amoako, the Adontenhene of Morso Nana Otuo Acheampong who chaired the event, praised the boy for making his parents and the community proud.

He counseled him to remain focused as he travels outside to pursue further studies, reminding him that there were a lot of children looking up to him as their role models.

Nana Otuo encouraged other students in the community to emulate the good example of Eden and stay away from social vices that could potentially ruin their future.

In interview with Adom News Eden Nana Obeng Kyei expressed gratitude to the chiefs and people of Morso and pledged to continue to study hard to bring success to his country.

The former student of Keta Senior High School (KETASCO) seems very excited about her prospects as she shares her feelings in a Facebook post. 

She formed part of the KETASCO team that made history when they qualified for the finals of the NSMQ that year during which she caught the eye of the public .

Recounting the sequence of events after she left Ghana on August 16, the scholar explained that she has learnt so much already.

According to her, she “was pleasantly surprised when I got admission to four international colleges; Harvard University, Cornell University, Stanford University, and New York University (Abu Dhabi), all with full scholarships. I finally selected Harvard University for my pre-med degree.”

She showed appreciation to her benefactors and donors who made her journey to the prestigious college a success.

“I want to thank Ghanaians for the love they showed me after the NSMQ. It was overwhelming,” she added.

She is embarking on the academic journey on a full scholarship.

The announcement of her admission into the prestigious institution came earlier this year.

The Conference of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), which announced this said, inter-school sports and debate competitions and other extra-curricular activities have also been suspended.

This is as a result of prolonged delay in the release of funds for such activities by government.

The decision was taken by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of CHASS after it was established that school heads are having to divert already scanty funds meant for feeding, into supporting these activities.

According to National President of CHASS, Alhaji Yakubu Abubakar suspending the activities is the best way to keep the schools running efficiently on their core academic mandate.

“The monies are already meagre as it is for the supplies we need. Monies for recurrent expenditure have been in arrears for more than a year. And so when we met, we decided that the best thing to do is to suspend these activities which are not properly part of our main responsibility of academic work”, Alhaji Abubakar told JoyNews.

He said, “Senior High School education is not only about the classroom. These extra-curricular activities help in improving the general quality of education delivered in the schools. But now we have to put all of them on hold because we can’t afford it”.

A statement released to the regional chapters of CHASS after the NEC meeting said, “most of the monies sent to the schools these days are for perishables and apart from the fact that it is inadequate for even the feeding of the students, it is equally misappropriation of funds if we should continuously use such monies for things they are not intended for”.

It further directed that, “regional chairs should liaise with their Regional Directors and Old Boys to explain matters to them to forestall any misunderstanding in the stance taken by CHASS”.

The inter-school sports competitions have been the main sources of recruiting new talents to feed the national teams.

Eden Nana Kyei Obeng will be studying at the California Institute of Technology (CalTech) after making his alma mater proud in the 2021 NSMQ.

Eden who was considered the anchor of his team scored 8As in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to secure the admission.

According to the website of NSMQ, the Prempeh College old student is the first student from a public Ghanaian high school to gain admission into the university in years.

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“CalTech holds a formidable reputation as one of the most difficult schools to gain admission into,” it explained.

Eden’s teammates, Abdul Majeed Abdullah and Evans Oppong successfully gained admission to their first choice Universities and programmes.

Evans is currently studying Electrical Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST), while Majeed is in his first year at the University of Ghana Medical School.

Prempeh College won their fifth NSMQ championship after scoring 53 points.

Such research will help track the effectiveness of the competition in a more scientific and systematic way to direct its future organisation.

The Quiz Mistress of the NSMQ, Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, said such an exercise was also important because it would give direction to the STEM programme.

“On a small scale, the producers of the NSMQ have been tracking former contestants and we know that many of them are doing very well outside the country and making a huge impact in their chosen fields, mostly STEM-related.

“We know because they reach out and follow the competition and also help in mentoring young contestants,” Prof. Kaufmann said in an interview with the Daily Graphic ahead of the start of this season’s competition.

She said by and large, the objective of the producers of the competition, which is to encourage the study of science and mathematics, had been achieved, given the heightened interest in the quiz.

“At least, it can be said that science and maths have been demystified in schools and students are always looking forward to the competition,” she added.

Prof. Kaufmann, however, observed that “there are not sufficient females up there to mentor young females, particularly in academia”.

“They are encouraged to come on board in STEM, but somehow along the line they are abandoned and there is very limited support system to keep the females in there; only a few survive the journey in STEM,” she said.

According to her, there were no deliberate interventions and programmes to support females in STEM programmes, saying while inroads had been made in the biological sciences, the same could not be said for physics and engineering.

“There is a significant impact, but that is only felt in the biological sciences where we have many medical doctors, pharmacists, among others, but the same cannot be said for engineering and physics.

“For instance, I tried to get some female professors to help in a research programme in engineering and I was able to find only three, with all of them coming from the UMAT. None of them was from our celebrated Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

“STEM has a leaky pipeline along the way and so when the ladies get in and try to make it up to the top, they fall off along the way,” Prof. Kaufmann said.

She said it was important to look at the base and within the starting points, identify those who had the interest and potential, pick them up and support and motivate them to stay the course,” she said.

The prodigy from the Keta Senior High Technical School has gained admission to the prestigious University of Ghana Medical School.

This was after her sterling performance in the just ended West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination. The results were released on December 8, 2021.

The science student passed the 2021 edition with distinction as she scored As in all the core and elective subjects.

The University of Ghana Medical School recently released its shortlisted applicants and young Lamini through hard work and commitment made it to the list.

She was also named the Most Outstanding Student at the 2021 NSMQ where Prempeh College emerged victors.

He passed the 2021 edition with distinction as she scored 8 As in all core and elective subjects.

Bright was named speed master in the NSMQ because he could answer questions before they ended.

On many occasions, he was the first to ring the bell even before the quiz mistress, Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, read half of the question.

Bright and his colleagues put the name of their school on the map at the 2021 NSMQ where Prempeh College emerged winners.

Below is his WASSCE results

The ‘Amanfuo’ were crowned the champions of the national championship after they emerged victorious over the ‘Ɔdadeɛs’ and the ‘Dzololians’ (Keta SHTS) in the final contest on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Prempeh College won the contest with 53 points. Six-time champions, Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (Presec-Legon) came second with 49 points while Keta Senior High Technical School accumulated 30 points.

Taking to his twitter page on Wednesday, December 1, President Akufo-Addo wrote: “Congratulations to Prempeh College on their victory in the finals of NSMQ 2021.”

He said their fifth win of the competition “was a thoroughly deserved victory, and [he] looks forward to welcoming them again to Jubilee House very soon.”

Congratulations to @PrempehCollege on their victory in the finals of #NSMQ2021. It was a thoroughly deserved victory, and I look forward to welcoming them AGAIN to Jubilee House very soon. Congratulations once again. ?????????? pic.twitter.com/jfobta6Amk

— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) December 1, 2021

The NSMQ was held in the Ashanti regional capital Kumasi for the first time since its inception.

The ‘host and win’ agenda by the schools in Kumasi finally became a reality when the ‘Seniors’ floored their competitors with an outstanding brilliance to claim the trophy glory.

Five! Five is all that ran through the minds and lips of all those who supported Prempeh’s journey in the 2021 NSMQ from the beginning through to the finals.

Meanwhile, the old students of Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (Presec Legon) have revealed that they will petition organisers of the NSMQ, Primetime Limited, over what they say is a “raw deal” during the competition’s finals.

They believe the quiz was tipped in favour of the 2021 victors.

Miss Lamini has been selected to join the champions, Prempeh College on their international tour to Dubai and Nairobi in January, next year.

This recent collaboration is courtesy both the Adansi Travels and Kenya Airways to support the brilliant lady whose superb performance in the 2021 NSMQ was well appreciated throughout the country.

The honours is for emerging the Most Outstanding Female Contestant for 2021, aside being the first female to be present in the finals since 2013.

“KETASCO’s Francisca will join #NSMQ2021 Champions, Prempeh College, on tour to Nairobi and Dubai courtesy @Adansitravels & @KenyaAirways,” a tweet from NSMQ Ghana.

NSMQ Ghana took to its Twitter page to congratulate her and break the news.

This wonderful collaboration can serve as an encouragement and keep inspiring other young girls to work hard and reach their potentials.

The ‘Amanfuo’ has been crowned the champions of the 2021 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) after attaining a substantial victory over the ‘odade3s’ and the ‘Dzoloalians (Keta SHTS) in the final contest.

The race, right from the beginning of the first round, saw a keen and stiff competition by all the three schools as they lock horns neck to neck for a lead.

Although Prempeh College won, it was a super tough five rounds for all the three schools.

At the end of that tough round, Presec-Legon scored 17 points, followed by Prempeh College with 16 points while Keta SHTS garnered 15 points.

At the end of the first round, here are the scores#NSMQFinals #NSMQinKumasi #NSMQ2021 pic.twitter.com/mW32lH165I

— #NSMQ2021 (@NSMQGhana) November 26, 2021

The second round’s speed race got intense as all the finalists, especially Ketasco, scrambled to accumulate points.

But the ‘Christian gentlemen’ still maintained their dominance with a five-point margin ahead of Prempeh.

The ‘Amanfuor’ finished with 21 points while Presec beat them with 26 points.

End of Round 2#NSMQFinals #NSMQinKumasi #NSMQ2021 pic.twitter.com/l7RSvhRJiB

— #NSMQ2021 (@NSMQGhana) November 26, 2021

Problem of the Day favoured the contestants of Prempeh College as they secured a perfect score of 10 points.

That feat landed them the Prudential Life NSMQ Star award worth GH₵4,000. Each of the three contestants will receive GH¢1,000 with their teacher getting the rest.

Both Presec-Legon and Keta SHTS scored seven points each at the end of the third round.

At the end of the third round, here are the scores#NSMQFinals #NSMQinKumasi #NSMQ2021 pic.twitter.com/IS1y7mYi9T

— #NSMQ2021 (@NSMQGhana) November 26, 2021

The True or False round had the ‘Dzolalians’ substituting Francisca Lamini with James Lutterodt. Presec equally made a substitution for Joel Aboagye to take over from Henry Otumfuor.

Although they did not make any substitution, Prempeh had almost all their answers right in the fourth round.

Prempeh College’s Evans Oppong ‘magically’ kept his cool to conveniently respond to the questions correctly.

At the end of the fourth round, Prempeh took over from their fierce rivals with only a point-margin.

End of Round 4:#NSMQFinals #NSMQinKumasi #NSMQ2021 pic.twitter.com/Z0ejSGVnRB

— #NSMQ2021 (@NSMQGhana) November 26, 2021

The highly-anticipated race was finally decided in the last round where the boys from the ‘University of Sofoline’ proved their mettle to defeat the Presecans.

Eden Obeng was quick to answer the first riddle correctly to put Prempeh ahead of Presec.

As if that was it all; he made it matter most when he ‘tamed’ the Presec boys by quickly answering the second riddle right!

You can just imagine it. Presec’s Joel Aboagye attempted to answer the third riddle but woefully lost it. He, however, got the last riddle right but that was not enough to grant them any better chance of winning the coveted prize.

The dream of claiming the trophy for the seventh time got thwarted, alas!

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!??#NSMQFinals #NSMQinKumasi #NSMQ2021 pic.twitter.com/gTVxQnTymv

— #NSMQ2021 (@NSMQGhana) November 26, 2021

That sent the supporters of Prempeh into frenzy as they roared in massive jubilation in the KNUST’s Great Hall. The host and win agenda finally became a reality when the ‘Seniors’ floored the boys with an outstanding brilliance.

Five! Five!! Five is all that’s running through the minds and lips of all those who supported Prempeh’s journey in the 2021 NSMQ from the beginning through to the finals.

The trophy has been retained in Kumasi.

At the end of the contest, Prempeh College amassed 53 points while Presec-Legon accumulated 49 points with Ketasco managing 30 points.

Keta Senior High Technical School could not lift the first trophy but it is doubtless that they have made a name for themselves after rising through the stages to feature in the finals for the first time.

And here are the winners for the 2021 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), Prempeh College. It is now time to glori-FIVE the Lord.

In earlier interviews with JoyNews, the school noted that their pillar throughout the race has been God Almighty; hence today’s prayers go to solidify their belief that victory indeed comes from the Lord.

In a video sighted by JoyNews, a moderator can be heard leading the students saying: “Our prayer for today is victory should be ours. We expect His (God’s) will to be done. Whatever He has set for the school should come to pass. Pray in the name of Jesus.”

Their prayer was accompanied by subtle and soothing sounds from a piano.

#NSMQFinals: Special prayers being offered at PRESEC, Legon for the NSMQ contestants. #NSMQonJoy pic.twitter.com/NeyygGvGxP

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) November 26, 2021

The contestants seeking to win a seventh trophy for the school are Henry Otumfuo, Joel Aboagye and Prince Appiah.

Interacting with JoyNews‘ Manuel Koranteng on Thursday ahead of the final today, Aboagye Joel said they trust God to make them victors at the last contest at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

“We are in high spirits. We have put in a lot, sacrificed a lot and given a lot into this. Despite how challenging and competitive it will be, we don’t expect it to be easy. But it is in the difficult times, God shows his light, who he favours and how much you mean to him.

“So we believe very strongly that we will be bringing the seventh trophy,” he stated.

They face four-time champions Prempeh College and the Keta SHTS.

Throughout the competition, supporters of six-time champion PRESEC-Legon have consistently been spotted offering prayers to ensure they emerge victorious at the end of the contest.

This was observed at the one-eighth stage of the contest against Ghana SHS- Tamale and St. Mary’s Boy’ SHS; the quarter-final stage featuring Swedru and Techiman SHS, and the semi-final stage that saw Chemu SHS and St Peter’s SHS fall to the Odadie Boys.

These observations speak a lot about the school’s faith in God Almighty; after all, it is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church.

We are full of gratitude. Thank you, Lord. – Joel Aboagye, Presec, Legon #NSMQonJoy pic.twitter.com/VLoxequtFV

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) November 23, 2021

The performance of some Senior High Schools (SHS) known as ‘underdogs’ in the ongoing National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) has been attributed to government’s flagship Free SHS policy.

According to former Central Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Bernard Allotey Jacobs, government must be given credit for the sterling performance of students from such less endowed schools.

The NSMQ has taken a new twist as big schools including former champions, Adisadel, Pope John’s, Mfantsipim, St. Augustine’s, St. Thomas Aquinas and Achimota among others have all exited the competition.

However, Chemu SHS, Tamale SHS, KNUST SHS for the first time made it to the semi-finals stage of the competition.

The star school, Keta Senior Technical School (SHTS) shocked everyone when they beat Wesley Girls’ SHS and Tamale SHS to book a place to the finals of the competition.

This shocking feat chalked by these “underdogs” has been attributed to the free SHS by Mr Jacobs.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Wednesday, he said the investment made in education by the Akufo-Addo government is bearing good fruits.

“At first only A grade schools were participating in the Science and Maths Quiz but now free SHS has given underdog schools the opportunity to shine,” he said.

He said the success of the 2021 NSMQ is an indication that, the free SHS policy is having a positive impact in Ghana’s education system.

Three schools, Prempeh College, PRESEC Legon and Keta SHTS will be fighting for the coveted trophy on Friday, November 26, 2021.

Absa Bank Ghana is a lead sponsor for the NSMQ organised by Primetime Limited in partnership with the Ghana Education Service.

Mr Marhguy will, for the next two years, be part of the school’s team.

United States-based Ghanaian lawyer, Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare, revealed this in a post on his Facebook page.

The boy and his colleague, Oheneba Kwaku Nkrabea, who is now said to be at Ghana International School dragged the school to court for denying them admission.

A High Court ruling on the matter on Monday, May 31, 2021, directed the school to admit the students.

However, the School’s Management and the Attorney General, Godfred Dame, a few days ago, served notice to appeal the court’s order.

They argued the court erred in its judgment, hence the decision to appeal.

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Mr Azar, who cannot fathom the school’s insistence on kicking the boy out of the school, urged him to ignore the noise.

He wrote: Achimota has named Tyrone Iras Marhguy in its squad for the National Maths and Science Quiz for the next two years and it is in court, with the assistance of the State, seeking to kick him out of the school. 

Look, our problems are simple. It is our solutions that complicate them. Congrats, Tyrone, ignore the noise!.

Read the post below:

He died on Saturday, April 10, 2021, aged 27 after a year-long battle with cancer.

Francis completed his Bachelor of Science degree with First Class (Honours) in Materials Science and Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology – Kumasi.

He went home as the Best graduating student among his cohorts.

His love for higher education led him to Canada in 2018 where he, until his demise, was studying for his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at York University.

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Social media has since been awash with tributes from friends and loved one, colleagues from the Mechanical Engineering community at Lassonde in his memory.

Madam Marian Ewurama Addy was not just the first NSMQ mistress, but the first woman professor of science, specifically biochemistry, at the University of Ghana, Legon.

She was quiz mistress from 1993 till 2000, before handing over to her predecessor, Eureka Emefa Adomako.

“When in 1993/94, during the planning of a televised quiz programme on science, I was asked to be the Quiz Mistress, I could not say no,” she wrote in her memoir, ‘Rewards: An Autobiography.’

“I was interested in females becoming scientists and this was an opportunity to invite the young ones to become scientists…I thought that this was a most effective way of being a role model,” she added.

In recognition of her contribution to promoting the study of Science and Mathematics among girls through the NSMQ, Prof. Addy was named the Marketing Woman of the Year by the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana in 1995.

Now, the NSMQ is chaired by Dr Kaufmann after she was recommended by Dr Adomako.

Mr Gakpetor was a student of the Presbyterian Boys Senior High School (PRESEC), Legon and winner of the 2020 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ).

A photo of the results fast circulating online captured he scored 8As in the provisional results released by the West African Examination Council.

His performance has earned him the love of many who have described him as indeed a genius.

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Mr Gakpetor’s sterling performance in the NSMQ 2020 contributed significantly to his alma mater, PRESEC winning the coveted NSMQ trophy a sixth time. 

Following the contest, he was offered the Academic City Presidential Scholarship Award worth US$ 40,000.

This is awarded to students for their distinctive academic excellence and devotion to affect society through creative innovations.

Check out the results below:

Legon Presec, made away with their sixth trophy after defeating Opoku Ware Senior High School (SHS) (OWASS) and Adisadel College in the finals with 36 points, against 31 for Adisco and 21 for OWASS.

The dream was made possible by their players super-sub Isaac Kofi Gyamfi, Benjamin Quansah Nketsiah and Gakpetor Daniel Kekeli who shared that the dream was possible as a result of hard work, perseverance and a vision to win the trophy.

President Akufo-Addo commended winners for their success in this year’s competition.

The President said PRESEC winning its sixth NSMQ trophy makes it “undisputed champions of the competition.”

“It has become a tradition since I became President of the Republic for the winners of the NSMQ and the organisers of the competition to visit the Jubilee House.This year, is the turn of the ‘Odadies’ who impressed the whole nation with their performance. You were second last year and you’ve gone a step further to the ultimate position this year so I applaud you,” he said when the ‘Odadie’ boys paid a courtesy call on him with their trophy, at his request.

The President also commended past and present management of the school for their role in producing personalities who have contributed their quota to national development.

“PRESEC is one of the best SHSs, if not the best in the country…As an ‘honorary Odadie’ I am proud of this achievement,” he said.

“PRESECANS continue to make their mark and continue to play significant roles in the development of the country and there are indeed quite a number of PRESECANS in my government.

“I must also state for the records that in this current Parliament, PRESEC has produced the highest number of MPs i.e 14 and I am particularly proud of this because 12 of them are members of my party,” he added.

She said in an interview with Rev Erskine in the Myd-Morning Radio Show on YFM that this has happened so many times that she is even used to it now.

“After every competition, the losers think it’s the quiz mistress that did it so every year, I get accusations. Sometimes, I get hate mail and it comes from all over the place, you’ll be surprised,” she said.

According to Dr Kaufmann, the contestants do understand the dynamics of the contest and do not have issues with her but the supporters on the other hand, always seem to think she cheated their respective schools.

“It’s the supporters. The old boys. Somebody from some year group in the 1970s, sitting in some country elsewhere will send me hate mail because their team lost and it was me being biased and intimidating their students,” she added.

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Dr Kaufmann mentioned, nevertheless, that she does not mind because being the mistress of the National Science and Maths Quiz is a job that she loves and enjoys doing, hence she knows better than to be put off by the negative aspects of it.

The National Science and Maths Quiz is an annual Science and Mathematics content-based national level quiz competition for Senior High Schools in Ghana.

It is produced by Primetime Limited, an education-interest advertising and public relations agency since 1993 and is anchored by the intellectual Dr Kaufmann.

This 2020 NSMQ competition came to a climax Thursday, the 8th of October with PRESEC being crowned winners for the sixth time, after beating their two tough opponents Adisadel College (Adisco) and Opoku Ware Senior High School (Owass) at the finals.

The competition ended with the schools securing 36 points, 31 points and 21 points respectively.

Eight students from the three schools; Presec Legon, Opoku Ware and Adisadel College will each benefit from a scholarship for their tertiary education.

This is according to the Executive Director of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Foundation (GNPC Foundation), Dr Dominic Kwesi Eduah.

Dr Eduah explained it was targeted at eight of them because one of them would automatically benefit from a scholarship scheme.

“I was told only one among them; the best student among the nine will benefit from a scholarship but I gave the organisers my word to bring the remaining eight to GNPC foundation for a fully-funded scholarship,” he said.

Dr Eduah announced the surprise on Asempa FM’s Sekondi Constituency Watch edition on Friday as he testifies to the students’ excellent performance during the quiz.

“I have engaged my Board and fortunately they have agreed but the school must be a Ghana-based public school. Once they get their admission letters, they should just come to us,” he assured.

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After 11 good years and making it to two finals, Presec – Legon won the 2020 NSMQ after beating Kumasi-based Opoku Ware and Cape-Coast-based Adisadel College.

The school was declared the winner a sixth time after their victory in 1995, 2003, 2006, 2008 and 2009.

Presec’s dream of taking home a sixth trophy was made possible by their players’ super-sub Isaac Kofi Gyamfi, Benjamin Quansah Nketsia and Gakpetor Daniel Kekeli after a tough competition on Thursday, October 8, 2020.

In a post on its Twitter page, the organisers said the school updated them on the decision a few hours to the launch of the programme on Tuesday, September 1.

This, according to them, means St. Rose’s Senior High School (SHS), which was the highest performing girls’ runner-up from the Eastern Regional Qualifiers, will be taking their place.

Although a reason was not given for the development, social media users who replied the tweet expressed mixed reactions.

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The 2020 edition of the NSMQ was launched on Tuesday in Accra after it was postponed in June due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic

NEWS: Aburi Girls’ SHS has withdrawn from #NSMQ2020, thus, they have been replaced by St. Rose’s SHS, the highest performing girls’ runner-up from the Eastern Regional Qualifiers.

Check out the updated pots for the #NSMQPrelims in the Eastern Region.#NSMQLaunch #Primetime pic.twitter.com/cQjwNxxo1K

— NSMQ Ghana (@NSMQGhana) September 1, 2020

The national event, scheduled to commence on September 8, 2020, will see various SHS compete for a cash price and the much-respected bragging right.

Speaking in an earlier interview with JoyNews, the Managing Director of Primetime Limited, the organisers of the event, said contrary to previous practices, the event will see its preliminary rounds being held in respective regions, instead of Accra.

She also revealed that there will be no studio audiences throughout the programme.

Following the ease of coronavirus restriction imposed on the country, the management has decided to start NSMQ 2020 for featured schools and members of the general public.

According to the organisers, the Preliminary Stage will commence September 8 to September 18, 2020, and one-eight stage finals September 28 to October 8, 2020.

“Your favourite Quiz programme returns for a remarkable edition on the 8th of September, 2020 with the Preliminary Stage featuring schools from all 16 regions,” the NSMQ shared.

Primetime said it will, at the appropriate time, give more details on how the NSMQ 2020 competition will be managed as far as the locally transmitted coronavirus is concerned.

NSMQ will start with the Preliminary Stage featuring schools from all 16 regions.

The 2020 edition of the programme was postponed amid the outbreak of the global coronavirus pandemic that has claimed at least 215 lives as of August 11, 2020.

This was part of their grand prize for winning the prestigious high school competition.

The team that embarked on the tour comprised the three contestants of St. Augustine’s College: Joseph Maino Afful, Anthony Papa Eliason and Jimmy Stephen Newton; their coach, Isaac Adomako; the Quiz Mistress, Dr. Elsie Effah Kaufmann; Stephen Yankey and Philomena Ewuakye, staff of Primetime, producers of the Competition.

The team left Accra for Nairobi on August 21, 2019, where they spent two days, touring the East African city and visiting The Giraffe Centre. 

Among other things, the team joined in feeding some giraffes and listened to a lecture on giraffes – their birth, gestation, mating, life span and history in Kenya and across Africa.

After spending two days in Kenya, the team left for the United Arab Emirates, first arriving in Dubai, where the team spent a week.

In Dubai, the team enjoyed The Dubai City Tour with highlights of the Dubai skyline on Saturday, August 24, 2019. Notable landmarks visited included Burj Al Arab, the world’s most luxurious “7-star” hotel; Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building and the Dubai Mall, the world’s largest mall-based on total area.

On Sunday, August 25, 2019, the team visited the Sharjah Science Museum, located in the Emirate of Sharjah, about an hour’s drive from Dubai. At the Science Museum, the team explored the science behind illusions, aerodynamics, cryogenics and physiology.

The NSMQ Champions, along with the Quiz mistress, had a lot of fun seeing how some of the science concepts were presented in an easy-to-understand way.

Later that evening, the team went to Dubai Marina for a traditional Dhow Cruise, where they enjoyed dinner and some Arabian shows on a two-hour cruise.

On Monday, August 26, 2019, the team visited the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo to see some aquatic species and mammals.  They witnessed sharks being fed, saw two crocodiles aged 40 and 80 years, many fish species, penguins and alligators.

Later that evening, the team saw the breath-taking Dubai Fountain Show at the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa display.

The tour continued on Wednesday, August 28, 2019, with the Desert Safari, which included Dune Bashing, Camel Riding and dinner in the middle of the desert. On Thursday, August 29, 2019, the team was in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to visit the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque, the UAE Heritage Village, Ferrari World and other parts of the city.

The tour ended with another visit to the Dubai Mall to watch the magnificent Dubai Fountain Show before preparing for the flight to Ghana.

Adansi Travels, a leading travel agency and Kenya Airways, put the tour together, in line with Primetime’s vision to make the NSMQ experience not just educational, but fun and exciting.

Primetime is putting plans in place to make the 2020 edition of the tour even more exciting and educational for the beneficiaries.

The Ghana Education Service, with support from GOIL, Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, GCB Bank, Vimto, Academic City College, Accra College of Medicine, Medifem Multi specialist Hospital and Fertility Centre and Entervarsity, sponsored the 2019 edition of the Competition.

Source: Primetime

This is part of its sponsorship package offered for the event which has already seen two finalists from the past two years being offered fully funded scholarships to study Medicine at the College.

The Accra College of Medicine is the leading private Medical and Independent Medical College in Ghana and has been in existence for the past 5 years.

ACM has state of the art facilities as well as small class sizes which help in fostering effective learning and lifelong professional and personal relationships. It is their aim to churn out not just doctors but great doctors with a heart power.

This year’s edition saw three schools going into the finals and amidst all the cheering and fight for the crown, St Augustine’s College emerged as the winner.

Among the finalists, three students have expressed interest in studying medicine at the Accra College of Medicine.

Speaking to the President of the College, Prof. Mrs Afua Hesse, she was excited about the enthusiasm of the finalists and said they will have to take an entrance exam and interview after which the best student among them will be given the scholarship.

 She said, “We are looking for someone who truly encompasses our mission, vision and most importantly our core values.”

There are already two students enrolled in the scholarship program from the previous NSMQs at ACM. These students are living up to expectations and topping their classes and this is something that gives the President hope.

She, therefore, has similar expectations from the new NSMQ scholarship student. She believes that the training these students go through during their preparation towards the competition makes them lateral thinkers which fits into the learning style of the College. 

Bright Asiedu, the 1st runner up in 2017 edition of the NSMQ and now a second-year medical student said the scholarship has given him the opportunity to pursue his dream of becoming a medical doctor. 

To him, “the school’s state of the art facilities, as well as the small class sizes, makes learning interesting and much easier and this is something, I will always be grateful for.”

Benjamin Fenny who was also part of the winning team from St. Peter’s Senior High School during last year’s edition said this offer came in at the right time.

According to him, “with the dream of becoming a neurosurgeon, I was contemplating on whether to go a private or public tertiary institution, but coming to the Accra College of Medicine, I have been offered everything I need to become who I want to be.” 

To him, the interaction between lecturers and students as well as open access to facilities has made the study of medicine much simpler and interesting.

The President of the College applauded the organizers of the National Science and Math’s Quiz and pledged the College’scontinual support and yearly scholarship to the one student who desires to study medicine and has the heart power.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

When the team stopped by Joy FM Friday morning, the excited contestants said they will influence their successors to ensure the Cape Coast-based school will be victorious again.

“We want to take it again next year,” coordinator of the team, Isaac Adomako said. 

Speaking about the team’s gallant campaign this year after, Mr Adomako said the target right from the regional qualifiers was to win the ultimate and they put measures to ensure that.

During the qualifiers in Cape Coast, the 2007 NSMQ winners scored 54 points which was the highest tally in the Central region.

Although Edinaman SHS equalled that score, St. Augustine’s College proved themselves and went ahead to win the maiden Central Regional Championship.

The team coach credited the newly introduced regional championship as a test of the team’s readiness for the nationals.

He said when they won the Regional Championship, they were sure they could go all the way to the grand finale and win the ultimate. 

Again, they impressed during the national competition, scoring the highest tally, 76 points, in the prelims. In the course of the competition, they handed fierce rivals, Mfantsipim School a stinging defeat at the one-eighth stage of the competition.

The contestants gave credit to their parents for giving them the needed motivation as well as their teachers who urged them on. 

The team would continue their media tour in Accra before heading to Cape Coast.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

While their quick, intelligent and eloquent responses thrilled the millions who watch them week after week, little is known of the preparations which birthed that.

The contestants from Presec, St. Augustine’s College and St Peter’s perform so well on stage it almost seems they are keeping to a well-rehearsed script directed by Primetime, organizers of the quiz just to generate public excitement.

Questions from Kojo Yankson on the AM show on JoyNews brought the geniuses closer to viewers and listeners of Joy FM.

During the interview, it was apparent, even to the disinterested observer, that these contestants were made of steel and baked in the hottest fiery furnace.

They approached questions bordering on any sphere of life with the same dexterity and brilliance with which they answer the complex science and maths questions during the Quiz.

 “I don’t hear the cheers when I am focused for the quiz,” was the response of a Presbyterian Boys contestant who was asked if the loud cheers from their supporters affect their performance in any way.  

 What preparations went into the contest?

The role of old students from the various schools kept coming up.  

Alumni of these great give more than just deafening cheers. In unison, all three schools admitted that they have come thus far because of the support of their old boys.

Among other things, contestants from the Presbyterian Boys Secondary School said it is the incentives and direct support of their old students which keeps urging them on.

St. Augustine’s, for example, admit to having a special department dedicated to preparing students for the competition and this has been made possible by the benevolence of their old students’ association.

With such infrastructure, the school undertakes as many mock contests as possible including those with external schools.

These prior preparations help them overcome the pressure and stage fright which usual is typical of highly anticipated national contests.

The role of parents and family members came up, too.

For instance, famous Presec contestant, Dodoo Emmanuel Nii Amu said his sister is his psychologist, who has helped him to give his best at the contest without breaking down or burning out.

Kojo Yankson wondered how the contestants are able to answer varied questions from a broad field like science and maths. They said “we specialize. “

Specific areas are assigned to contestants such that depending on the areas a question comes from, a particular candidate elects to answer.

It is for this reason that some employ the substitution method where a candidate replaces another depending on the area of science the contest is focusing on.

These ensure that the pressure in the contest is evenly distributed.

On their anticipation ahead of the grand finale tomorrow, they said they were not apprehensive.

“Once you qualify to the finals only God has the final say. There are no big schools,” contestant asserted.

Pointing to their future aspirations, it was evenly distributed between the fields of medicine, petrochemical engineering, Computer Science and entrepreneurship.

The Journey so far

The three Schools emerged finalists of a contest which involved some 108 schools across Ghana.

The schools made it to the initial stage after qualifying from their respective regions.

The balloting for the 2019 NSMQ preliminary stage contest was held Saturday, June 15 – an event that was characterised by tension.

Each day, three contests were held at two venues simultaneously and the winners of the 36 contests, together with 18 highest scoring losing schools, will join the 27 seeded schools for the One-eighth stage.

The venues for the competition were the R.S Amegashie Auditorium and the New ‘N’ Block, both on the Legon campus of the University of Ghana.

The first contest took place on Monday, June 17 at the R.S Amegashie Auditorium between Chemu Senior High School, St. Mary’s Sem./Senior High School, Lolobi and EPC Mawuko Girls’ Senior High School.

While the schools that made it to the quarterfinal in 2018 have a seeded spot and will begin the challenge from the one-eighth stage, a better number, including some heavyweights went through the preliminary contests.

Source: Myjoyonline.com