Bawumia Presents GH¢60,000 to NSMQ Finalists

The grand finale of the 2024 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) took place at the New Examination Center at the University of Cape Coast, where Mfantsipim School, Keta Senior High School, and St. Augustine’s College competed for the prestigious title. This year’s event, held in Cape Coast, brought significant attention to the city, widely regarded as the educational hub of Ghana. Cape Coast holds historical importance as the birthplace of formal education in the Gold Coast, with the establishment of the Philip Quaque School marking the beginning of education in the region.

The Central Region, hosting the competition for the first time, was filled with anticipation and excitement as local schools in Cape Coast, including Mfantsipim and St. Augustine’s College, went head-to-head with Keta Senior High School from the Volta Region. With local pride at stake, the atmosphere was charged with energy as both Mfantsipim and St. Augustine’s College, two schools from the Cape Coast area, faced off in a fierce battle for supremacy. The final contest was a nail-biting one, with the two schools fighting for the top position, while Keta Senior High School also put up a commendable performance.

The final scores revealed how close the competition was, with Mfantsipim School narrowly edging out St. Augustine’s College by just one point, securing 47 points to St. Augustine’s 46. This victory marked a significant achievement for Mfantsipim School, making it their third NSMQ title, following wins in 2014 and 1999. The school’s win is a testament to their enduring academic excellence and their ability to consistently perform well in the prestigious quiz competition.

In recognition of their remarkable achievement, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia presented a total of GH¢60,000 to the finalist schools. The cash prize was distributed as follows: each of the three finalist schools received GH¢10,000, while the teachers (trainers) who guided the contestants through their rigorous preparations were awarded GH¢5,000 each. Additionally, the schools themselves were granted another GH¢5,000 as part of the prize package.

The cash prizes were presented by the Central Regional Minister, Mrs. Justina Marigold Assan, who stood in for Dr. Bawumia. She handed over the awards to the winning schools and congratulated them for their hard work and dedication throughout the competition. The winning contestants, their teachers, and the schools were further recognized with numerous other prizes and awards, all celebrating their exceptional performances in the 2024 NSMQ.

This year’s NSMQ finale was not just a showcase of academic excellence but also a demonstration of the educational talent present in both rural and urban regions of Ghana. It highlighted the potential of young students and the important role that educational institutions, teachers, and the community play in nurturing this potential. The contest’s impact extended beyond the final scores, inspiring many students, teachers, and families to continue pursuing excellence in science and mathematics.

The competition also reaffirmed the growing role of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in Ghana’s future. As the country continues to prioritize STEM fields in its educational policies, events like the NSMQ serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of academic achievement and the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The 2024 NSMQ proved to be another successful chapter in Ghana’s long tradition of academic excellence, and Mfantsipim School’s victory added to the legacy of the event’s impact on the nation’s educational landscape.

As the 2024 NSMQ draws to a close, the celebration of the winning schools, contestants, and teachers continues to inspire students across the country to strive for academic excellence and aim for new heights in their educational journeys.