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The second day of the preliminary stage of the 2023 National Championship of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) was filled with another excitement and intense competition.
As participating schools gathered for this crucial phase, there was a palpable anticipation to secure a spot in the one-eight stage of the national championship race.
The preliminaries kicked off on Saturday, October 7, with a total of 36 schools ready and eager to showcase their academic prowess.
The heart of the intellectual showdown was at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ashanti Region.
The first contest of the day featured Bolgatanga SHS, T.I. AMASS Fomena, and Regentropfen SHS. T.I. AMASS, Fomena quickly took the lead in the first round, creating a noticeable gap between them and Bolgatanga SHS. As the contest progressed, they further widened the gap, demonstrating their dedication and academic prowess throughout the competition. At the contest’s conclusion, T.I. AMASS, Fomena secured an impressive 45 points, with Bolgatanga SHS and Regentropfen SHS earning 30 and 9 points, respectively.
In the next contest, Kadjebi Asato SHS, Abuakwa State College, and Oti Boateng SHS battled for a spot in the one-eight stage. Abuakwa State College took an early lead, with a significant gap between Oti Boateng SHS and Kadjebi Asato SHS. Despite the intense competition, Abuakwa State College maintained their lead, leaving Kadjebi Asato SHS with no chance to catch up. In the final round, Abuakwa State College secured their one-eight stage slot with 38 points, while Oti Boateng SHS and Kadjebi Asato SHS earned 26 and 23 points, respectively.
The subsequent prelims featured Archbishop Porter Girls SHS, Samuel Otu Presby SHS, and Obiri Yeboah SHS. Obiri Yeboah SHS secured an early lead, but with dedication and hard work, Archbishop Porter Girls steadily closed the gap in the second and fourth rounds, eventually ending with just one point separating them from Obiri Yeboah. However, Obiri Yeboah SHS maintained their stance and emerged victorious with 37 points, while Archbishop Porter Girls SHS had 36 points, and Samuel Otu Presby SHS secured 22 points.
Another intense contest unfolded between Akumfi Ameyaw SHS, Zion College, and Methodist SHTS. Zion College dominated the first round, aiming for the one-eight slot but Akumfi Ameyaw SHS displayed impressive intellectual skills and teamwork in the second round of the contest, surpassing Zion College and leaving Methodist SHTS trailing behind. In the end, Akumfi Ameyaw SHS emerged victorious with 37 points, while Zion College and Methodist SHTS secured 34 and 8 points, respectively.
The fifth preliminary contest featured West Africa SHS, Fijai SHS, and Goka SHTS. Goka SHTS took an early lead in the first round of the contest. But with dedication and teamwork, West Africa SHS made a takeover in the second round of the contest with Fijai SHS securing second place and Goka SHTS trailing behind.
As the contest progressed, the atmosphere became intense. However, in an unexpected turn of event, Fajai SHS showcased their academic prowess in the third and fourth around of the contest by overtaking West Africa SHS with a whopping score.
At the end of the contest, Fajai SHS emerged victorious securing a total of 40 points with West Africa SHS and Goka SHTS garnering 30 and 23 points respectively.
As the day progressed, another fierce battle unfolded between Awe SHTS, Okuapemman School, and Ghana SHS, Tamale. Okuapemman School led in the first and second rounds, maintaining their dominance in the subsequent rounds and securing their place in the one-eight stage of the national championship with 42 points. Awe SHTS and Ghana SHS, Tamale, earned 33 and 17 points, respectively.
In the seventh preliminary contest, Awudome SHS dominated the first and second rounds of the contest, leaving Damongo SHS and Bunkpurugu SHTS trailing behind. Awudome SHS secured first place with a total of 48 points, while Damongo SHS and Bunkpurugu SHTS earned 31 and 20 points, respectively.
The next contest featured Navrongo SHS, Hohoe E.P. SHS, and Ofori Panin SHS. Navrongo SHS took the lead in the first and second rounds, showcasing their academic prowess. As the competition intensified, all schools were eager to book a lot in the one-eight stage. But Navrongo SHS pressed on, eventually emerging victorious with 41 points. Hohoe E.P SHS came in second place with 34 points, and Ofori Panin SHS trailed behind with 29 points.
As the day drew to a close, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Joseph Seminary SHS, and EPC Mawuko Girls SHS engaged in a fierce battle. St. Aquinas SHS led in the first and second rounds of the contest but an unexpected turn of events saw St. Joseph Seminary SHS overtake them in the subsequent rounds. With dedication and teamwork, St Thomas Aquinas steadily closed the gap, securing the same points as St. Joseph Seminary SHS in the final round but unfortunately for them, they found themselves trailing behind as St Jospeh’s Seminary SHS were quick enough to answer a bonus question, securing 47 points plus one while St. Thomas Aquinas SHS and EPC Mawuko Girls SHS earned 47 and 37 points, respectively.
The 10th contest of the day featured Kumasi Academy, Simms SHS, and Sandema SHS. Kumasi Academy showcased their academic prowess by taking the lead in the first and second rounds. They continued to dominate in the third and fourth rounds, emerging victorious with 50 points. Simms SHS and Sandema SHS earned 47 and 15 points, respectively.
In another heated contest, St. Louis SHS led with a remarkable score in the first and second rounds against OLA Girls SHS, Kenyasi, and St. Joseph’s SHS. St. Louis SHS widened the gap in the third and fourth rounds, securing 52 points at the end of the contest. OLA Girls SHS, Kenyasi, and St. Joseph’s SHS earned 28 and 18 points, respectively.
The final preliminary contest featured Abor SHS, St. John’s Grammar School, and Nana Brentu SHS. St. John’s Grammar School took the lead in the first and second rounds, showcasing their academic prowess. Abor SHS closed the gap in the subsequent rounds, but St. John’s Grammar School maintained their lead, securing 33 points. Abor SHS and Brentu SHS earned 25 and 10 points, respectively.
