Ghana School Wins Tense Science Quiz, Heads to Nationals

A Cape Coast high school just punched their ticket to one of Ghana's most prestigious academic competitions, and they had to fight for every point to get there.

Aggrey Memorial A.M.E. Zion Senior High School clinched victory at the Central Regional Qualifiers for the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), securing their place among Ghana's top academic performers. The team scored 51 points in a nail-biting contest that came down to the final rounds.

The competition started as a dead heat. Both Aggrey Memorial and their closest rivals, Gomoa SDA SHS, answered every question correctly in the opening round, setting the stage for an intense battle.

Aggrey Memorial gained ground during the Speed Race round, where quick thinking and accuracy gave them a crucial edge. But Gomoa SDA refused to back down, matching their intensity question after question and keeping the pressure on throughout.

The contest remained tight through the True or False round, with Aggrey Memorial holding onto a slim lead. Then Gomoa SDA mounted an impressive comeback in the final Riddles segment, dominating the round and closing the gap fast.

The late surge wasn't quite enough. Aggrey Memorial held their nerve and their lead, finishing with 51 points to Gomoa SDA's 42, with Komenda SHTS and Jukwa Dunkwa SHTS trailing at 23 and 16 points respectively.

Why This Inspires

Academic competitions like NSMQ showcase what young people can achieve when they dedicate themselves to learning. These students spent countless hours mastering complex science and math concepts, proving that hard work and preparation pay off when it counts most.

The competition also highlights Ghana's commitment to celebrating academic excellence alongside athletic achievement. Regional qualifiers give schools across the country a fair shot at competing on the national stage, regardless of their location or resources.

Now Aggrey Memorial faces their biggest challenge yet: competing against Ghana's academic powerhouses, including defending champions Keta Senior High School. More Central Region schools continue battling for their own spots as the qualifiers progress.

These students just proved that pressure makes diamonds.