The semi-final showdown came down to a tiebreaker, as Mfantsipim School and Presbyterian Boy’ Secondary School (Presec-Legon) were neck and neck with 53 points each at the end of regular time.

Osei Tutu SHS trailed behind among the three schools at this critical moment and was asked by the quiz mistress to excuse the rest of their team from the sudden death round.

At this point, the first school to answer a riddle correctly would secure their spot in the finals.

While the riddle was being read out, Peter Thompson rang the bell for the Botwe Boys.

The silence was deafening; supporters from both schools could hear a pin drop in the SGS auditorium at the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

But his answer was correct. The auditorium erupted in a cloud of uncontrollable red uproar.

Peter had just secured them a place in the finals in the coveted NSMQ 2024.

This denied the Presec boys a chance at a 9th trophy and Osei Tutu SHS a still-born dream and clinching the title.

From the onset, Mfantsipim came determined, fueled by memories of heartbreak. After eliminating Prempeh College, the five-time champions, in the quarter-finals, the Botwe Boys now sought revenge against PRESEC.

The )dade3 Boys had shattered Mfantsipim’s hopes in last year’s semi-finals, but this time, the Cape Coast giants arrived with one goal: to claim what was denied.

The contest began with a flash of brilliance as Mfantsipim seized the early lead, racking up 23 points in the first round. PRESEC followed closely with 21 points, while Osei Tutu struggled to keep up with 12 points.

The heat intensified in the second round, with Mfantsipim stretching their lead to 30 points. However, PRESEC refused to back down, amassing 27 points to stay within striking distance. Osei Tutu, battling valiantly, slipped further to 10 points.

The auditorium buzzed with excitement as supporters from all three schools cheered their teams on with unrelenting passion.

The third round saw each school showcase its intellectual might, with all three teams scoring a perfect 10 points—raising the stakes even higher.

Mfantsipim’s supporters grew more confident, sensing victory within reach. Yet, in the fourth round, PRESEC delivered a shocker, staging a spectacular comeback to snatch the lead. With 53 points, the )dade3 Boys surged ahead, leaving Mfantsipim trailing by a hair with 50 points, while Osei Tutu held steady at 27 points.

Just when it seemed like PRESEC had sealed the win, the Botwe Boys clawed their way back in the final moments, tying the score at 53 points and forcing a heart-stopping tie-breaker.

The crowd fell silent as the decisive question was read. Fans sat on the edge of their seats, the silence deafening—until Mfantsipim delivered the correct answer in a moment of brilliance.

The Botwe Boys had done it—they had beaten the eight-time champions and booked their place in the finals!

The razor-thin margin of triumph sent waves of emotion through the crowd—some celebrating in ecstasy, others gasping in disbelief.

PRESEC fought valiantly, bowing out with dignity after a gripping contest. Meanwhile, Osei Tutu, though outpaced, earned the admiration of all with their determined performance, finishing with 27 points.

For the Botwe Boys, the journey continues. Their dream of lifting the prestigious NSMQ trophy for a third time is alive, and their victory sends a clear message: they are unstoppable, and they are coming for the crown.

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.

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Throughout the day, the atmosphere was electric as each school displayed sharp intellect and strategy, vying for victory and inching closer to the esteemed title.

The first showdown was particularly memorable, especially between Mfantsipim School and Prempeh College. Both teams demonstrated remarkable skill and resilience, ending the match in a tie with 53 points apiece.

To resolve the tie, the quiz mistress presented a final question. Mfantsipim swiftly responded with the correct answer, edging out Prempeh College and securing a final score of 56 points.

Prempeh finished close behind with 53 points, while Swedru Secondary School concluded with 27 points. The intense tiebreaker kept spectators on edge, epitomizing the fierce competition that characterizes this year’s NSMQ.

In the second contest, Osei Tutu SHS faced strong opposition from Apam SHS and Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS). The schools matched each other round for round, but Osei Tutu SHS ultimately took the lead, showcasing exceptional knowledge and finishing with 46 points.

Apam SHS, who displayed commendable skill, followed with 39 points, while GSTS concluded with 30 points. The contest underscored Osei Tutu’s preparation and determination, securing them a spot in the semifinals.

The third and final contest featured reigning champions PRESEC against Pope John’s SHS & Minor Seminary and St. James Seminary SHS. PRESEC, entering with high expectations, delivered an impressive performance, maintaining dominance throughout and finishing with 59 points.

Pope John’s SHS & Minor Seminary ended with 46 points, while St. James Seminary SHS scored 31 points. PRESEC’s victory cemented their reputation as formidable contenders, confidently moving them to the semifinals.

With these achievements, Mfantsipim, Osei Tutu, and PRESEC head into the semifinals, fueled by their stellar performances.

The stakes are higher than ever as each team strives to claim the ultimate prize in this year’s National Science and Maths Quiz.

Congratulations to Osei Tutu SHS, Mfantsipim School and Presbyterian Boys’ Sec. Sch who were presented with a three (3) months personal accident cover worth GHS 25,000.00 for each contestant from the school. #NSMQ2024 #NSMQQuarters #Primetime pic.twitter.com/1orgvrpgRs

— National Science & Maths Quiz (@NSMQGhana) October 25, 2024

#NSMQ2024 QUARTER-FINAL STAGE | ST. JAMES SEMINARY SHS VS POPE JOHN SHS & MINOR SEMINARY VS PRESBYTERIAN BOYS’ SECONDARY SCHOOL https://t.co/520qTKFzJP

— National Science & Maths Quiz (@NSMQGhana) October 24, 2024

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One of the three contestants from the Presbyterian Boys Senior High School at Legon (PRESEC), Benedict Partey Dortey, who is a parishioner with the catholic church and his friends were praised for bringing honour to the church and the body of Christ through their diligence and hard work.

The winners were in the company of the parents of Benedict, Dr and Mrs Dortey who couldn’t hide their excitement and pride at the feat.

PRESEC beat Opoku Ware School (OWASS) from Kumasi and Achimota School in Accra at the grand finale which took place on Monday, October 29, 2023.

PRESEC, Legon continued to establish their dominance at the national quiz when they won the title for the eighth time.

Their closest rival, Prempeh College has won it five times.

But Lydia Ofei, a resident of Suhum in the Eastern Region, burst into tears in utter dismay, when her son gained admission to Legon PRESEC.

Due to poverty, Lydia, a single parent of five, working as an attendant in a nursery school at Suhum, had advised her 16-year-old son to choose one of the three SHSs at Suhum as a day student because that is what she could afford.

However, Isaac Obeng, brilliant and ambitious, rather chose Legon PRESEC as a boarding student, and that is what generated inconsolable tears from the mother.

“When the results were released, I was happy and equally sad. I don’t have money and so I told him to choose a day school in Suhum. But he said that (Legon PRESEC) was the only school he desired.

“And so when his admission came, I was very sad,” Lydia staggers her words through heavy sobs, even three months after the school selection.

Isaac, deviant of odds

Isaac is a deviant, not only of his mother’s words but also of the odds. He speaks refined English, one that defies the norm of a boy from a poor home and who attended Suhum M/A (Municipal Authority) Experimental ‘C’ Basic School, which is obviously not an ‘A-rated’ basic school in Ghana.

Even more defiant, Isaac, obtaining ‘Grade 1’ in all subjects except Social Studies and ICT, gained admission to Legon PRESEC, the school he describes as the best in Ghana, which school is normally dominated by children with privileged backgrounds.

He is excited about being a student of Legon PRESEC and is relishing every moment of it, thanks to the benevolence of some good-hearted people who mobilised his needs and sent him to school.

The Director of the Suhum Municipal Directorate of the Ghana Education Service, Mrs Angelina Aba Osei-Bonsu, who led that cause, saID she also contacted a teacher friend at Legon PRESEC, who bought some textbooks for Isaac.

According to her, the teacher, Alidu Baba, also introduced Isaac to some of his (teacher) colleagues to take him up for extra tuition at no fee.

Mrs Osei-Bonsu is also grateful to Daniel Bekoe, an officer at the Suhum Municipal Education Directorate, who brought the case of Isaac to her attention. Mr Bekoe had been following the progress of Isaac after discovering him at an inter-school quiz competition.

“The way the guy was answering questions, I knew that the guy was good,” he remarked.

The Headmaster of Suhum M/A Experimental ‘C’ Basic School, Paul Asumaku, says he was disappointed to see the BECE results of Isaac because “he is worth more than what he got”.

“We were aiming at the Presidential Award….He’s an exceptional student,” he adds, expressing the hope that Isaac will get the needed support to continue his education.

Future of Isaac

Mrs Osei-Bonsu is very happy Isaac is in school but she is equally worried support from the good-hearted people may not suffice for his continuous stay in school.

Her fears may vindicate the tears of Isaac’s mother — that she cannot afford to take him there and also maintain him there.

And with her eyes still teary, she says that when the initial benefactors withdraw their support for Isaac, she may not hesitate to also withdraw her son from Legon PRESEC and send him to a day school at Suhum.

Meanwhile, Isaac is unfazed by the tears on his mother’s face, focusing on his studies as a science student and his dream of becoming an engineer in the future.

He finds the academic competition at Legon PRESEC a perfect drive to achieve his dream in life.

“Almost everybody coming to PRESEC was first in their school. That is where you meet the ‘sharks of sharks’ (i.e., the most intelligent people).

So you see everybody serious with their books,” he remarks.

Isaac, described by his headmaster as an excellent keyboardist, recalls meeting a Form One student who had almost completed learning the Elective Mathematics syllabi for forms One, Two and Three, and inspired by that academic zeal, he has also covered the syllabi for forms One and Two of Elective Mathematics.

From all indications, Isaac, at Legon PRESEC, is driving towards his dream of becoming an engineer in the future, but with no financial support, he may soon be driving in a different direction, in terms of school and dream.

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:

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

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

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

The Kumasi-based challengers were left in tears, defeated on their own ground and their host and win chants muted.

Presec returns the trophy to the capital Accra, shattering their challengers’ dreams.

Adisadel College also failed their quest to return the trophy to Cape Coast after a three-year drought for the city that has seen more trophies than any other.

The contest itself was as heated as it could get with all the schools missing the first two rounds of questions.

These were the words of former Deputy Local Government Minister, Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, when he opened up on his beginnings in an interview on Adom TV’s M’ahy3se3 show.

According to him, the school had closed admissions upon his return and because his Senior High School (SHS) mates were two years ahead, he planned to write the final exam the next year so he could complete the A’ levels with them.

“I, therefore, decided to register for NOVDEC that was in 1988 to be a private student and I had only 10 months to study and sit for the exam which was very stressful and I was reading Geography, Literature and English.

“So after four months, I spoke to two of the teachers at Presec, Mrs Mortey of blessed memory and Mr Allotey about it so they agreed for me to attend the regular class and that was when I went to sew the uniform. But I was at the same time undertaking courses at Accra Academy,” he told Afia Amankwa Tamakloe.

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He explained he had to perch with a friend, Solomon on the Presec campus though it was not allowed, a situation that made people see him as a legitimate student.

However, he was faced with the greatest disappointment when the school completed registration for the exam on his blind side, hence he had to look for another school.

Eventually, some tutors managed to pull strings for him to register at Winneba SHS about five days to the start of the exam and he had to give it all his best.

The duo, Daniel Kekeli Gakpetor and Isaac Gyamfi, earned the love of many who have described them as indeed geniuses.

The university, announcing their admission, indicated they will be pursuing engineering.

Their sterling performance in the NSMQ 2020 contributed significantly to their alma mata winning the coveted NSMQ trophy a sixth time. 

Master Gyamfi’s excellent performance earned him the nickname ‘Black Panther’ during his days at PRESEC and that manifested during the contest.

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Master Gakpetor, following the contest, 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.

It was not surprising that the rapper would openly declare his alma mater, Legon Presec, as they recently won the 2020 National Science and Maths Quiz for the sixth time.

He wrote: House1 Paradise ?? @presecalumni after he shared the photo where he was pictured seated on a bench wearing his school uniform.

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Check out the photo 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.