The stage is set for a high-stakes grand finale in the 2024 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), as Mfantsipim School, St. Augustine’s College, and Keta Senior High Technical School (SHTS) clinched victories in the semi-final rounds.

This year’s NSMQ finale is poised to showcase these three elite schools' exceptional academic prowess and teamwork, promising a fierce battle for the prestigious national title.

Mfantsipim’s Dramatic Win Over PRESEC in the First Semi-Final

Mfantsipim School, often called the “Landlords of Cape Coast,” faced an intense challenge against reigning champions Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC) and Osei Tutu Senior High School in the first semi-final.

The contest, held at the packed SGS Auditorium, saw Mfantsipim taking a slim lead after Round 1 with 23 points, followed closely by PRESEC at 21 points, and Osei Tutu SHS with 12 points.

PRESEC fought hard throughout the rounds, especially in the “Jupay Money Transfer True or False” section in Round 4, where they managed to pull ahead.

However, by the end of Round 5, both Mfantsipim and PRESEC were tied at 53 points, leading to an intense tiebreaker.

Mfantsipim displayed quick thinking, delivering the correct answer and winning with a final score of 56 points, leaving PRESEC with 53. This victory denied PRESEC the chance to secure a record ninth NSMQ title.

Final Scores:

• Mfantsipim School: 56 points
• Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC): 53 points
• Osei Tutu Senior High School: 27 points

St. Augustine’s Edges Out Ghana National College and Wesley Girls

The third semi-final match featured an intense battle between Cape Coast’s St. Augustine’s College, Ghana National College, and Wesley Girls’ High School. St. Augustine’s took an early lead, finishing Round 1 with 24 points, slightly behind Ghana National College’s 26 points, while Wesley Girls held 21 points.

In Round 2, St. Augustine’s gained momentum, outscoring both rivals to reach 31 points, with Ghana National College close behind at 25 points. Wesley Girls, despite a strong effort, ended the round with 22 points.

The final round was neck and neck between St. Augustine’s and Ghana National College, but St. Augustine’s prevailed with 52 points, moving on to the grand finale.

Final Scores:

• St. Augustine’s College: 52 points
• Ghana National College: 49 points
• Wesley Girls’ High School: 37 points

Keta SHTS Secures Finale Spot with a Dominant Performance

The second semi-final featured Keta SHTS, Koforidua SHTS, and Tamale SHS. Known for their teamwork, Keta SHTS started the contest strong, finishing Round 1 with 19 points, ahead of Koforidua SHTS’s 9 points and Tamale SHS’s 14 points.

Round 2, the “Prudential Life Insurance Speed Race,” saw Koforidua SHTS briefly overtaking Keta. However, Keta SHTS regained its momentum in Round 4, the “Jupay Money Transfer True or False” round, where they pulled ahead.

In the final GOIL Riddle Bonanza, Keta SHTS demonstrated their skill by solving three out of four riddles, ending with 38 points and securing their place in the grand finale.

Final Scores:

• Keta Senior High Technical School (SHTS): 38 points
• Koforidua SHTS: 27 points
• Tamale SHS: 24 points

Anticipation Builds for the NSMQ 2024 Grand Finale

With the NSMQ 2024 grand finale just around the corner, excitement is mounting among students, alumni, and fans across Ghana. Each finalist school—Mfantsipim, St. Augustine’s, and Keta SHTS—has shown remarkable skill, resilience, and academic strength.

Mfantsipim, last crowned NSMQ champions in 2014, is hungry for a comeback, while St. Augustine’s seeks to demonstrate their consistent performance. Keta SHTS, finalists in 2022, aim to secure their first NSMQ title.

This year’s NSMQ finale promises to celebrate academic excellence and critical thinking, as these top-performing schools compete for the coveted title and national pride.