Mfantsipim School clinched victory in the 2024 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), defeating St. Augustine’s College by a single point in a nail-biting finale held in Cape Coast on Wednesday.

Staying true to their slogan “Host and Win,” Mfantsipim, the host school, emerged victorious with a last-minute breakthrough, finishing with 47 points over St. Augustine’s College’s 46. Keta Senior High Technical School followed with a respectable 32 points.

In the final round, known as the “riddle round,” Mfantsipim trailed St. Augustine’s by two points but managed to solve one critical riddle correctly, securing the three points they needed to edge out St. Augustine’s by one point, sending their supporters into a frenzy.

Final Scores:

• Mfantsipim School: 47 points
• St. Augustine’s College: 46 points
• Keta SHTS: 32 points

Mfantsipim School celebrated not only the NSMQ trophy but also a GH¢70,000 cash prize and other rewards. St. Augustine’s College, taking second place, received GH¢50,000 and prizes, while Keta SHTS earned GH¢35,000 for their efforts.

The intense competition saw all three schools battling to their limits. After the first round, Mfantsipim and St. Augustine’s were tied at 24 points, while Keta trailed slightly with 13 points. By the second round, St. Augustine’s held a slight lead with 34 points, Mfantsipim close behind with 31, and Keta at 12 points. Round by round, the tension grew until Mfantsipim’s last-round riddle clinched the trophy.

This year’s NSMQ was historic not only for the fierce competition but also because it marked the first time the event was held outside Accra, shifting to Cape Coast, known for its rich educational heritage.

Since its inception in 1993, the NSMQ has grown into Ghana’s premier academic contest, fostering STEM interest and celebrating intellectual prowess. This year’s contest featured a record-breaking 157 schools, underscoring the quiz’s impact on academic excellence across Ghana.