The competition, which focussed on the CSIR’s vision, mission, structure and functions, was organised for second cycle schools in Accra.

Achimota School earned 31 points to beat other high profile schools in the keenly contested competition.

St John’s Grammar School placed second with 28 points; and the third spot was captured by the West Africa Senior High School (WASS) with 27.5 points.

The Presbyterian Boys Senior High School (PRESEC), Legon managed with 27 points for the fourth, whilst Accra Girls Senior High School placed fifth with only 23 points.

The competition which was telecasted live on Ghana Television, saw two students each from the competing school answering questions related to the operations of the Council.

Mr Dan Afari-Yeboah, the veteran quiz master, insisted with his diplomatic antics to demand precise answers from the students and occasionally incited the audience with hilarious comments based on some response.        

Dr George Owusu Essegbey, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, CSIR-Science and Technology Policy Research Institute (STEPRI), told the Ghana News Agency in an interview, that the competition was organised to mark the Council’s 60th anniversary celebration.

He said the competition was also to sensitize the general public on the importance of science, technology and innovation in contributing to national development.

“The importance of using the schools is that when you look at the trend of education in our country, you will notice an emphasis on the humanities and business and we think we need to emphasis on science education because that is what would drive our development agenda,” he said.

Activities lined up for the celebration included conference for scientists from different countries slated for 2019, to deliberate on how science could be used to enhance development activities.

A three day conference for international network of scholars working in innovation studies and competence building slated for October 24; fun games in November, for staff of CSIR and their families as well as other stakeholders.

Mr Amedzro Samuel K. Doe, a teacher at the Chemistry Department, Achimota School in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said the step by CSIR was very commendable and needed to be encouraged.

He said: “CSIR is doing a great work. They have been there but it seems people don’t know much about them and this competition has enlightened us on their operations and the importance of science”.

He said he was proud of his students for winning the competition, adding that they emerged winners because they took their studies seriously.

Mr Doe urged CSIR to organise the quiz competition annually to enhance the understanding of the students on science and its related advantages.