Keta SHTS Defeats Achimota School to Secure Semi-final Spot in 2024 NSMQ Quarter-finals

The National Science & Maths Quiz (NSMQ) 2024 Quarter-final Stage kicked off with a highly anticipated showdown, as three seeded schools—Keta Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Mpraeso SHS, and Achimota School—locked horns in the last contest of the first day.

The packed auditorium buzzed with excitement, filled with the cheers and chants of supporters, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive match that ended with Keta SHTS earning a well-deserved victory. They secured an impressive 54 points, knocking out last year’s finalist, Achimota School, and advancing to the Semi-final Stage.

Celebrating Diversity and History

Before the contest began, each school took a moment to share their rich histories, adding a personal touch to the event. Quiz Mistress, Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, praised both Achimota School and Keta SHTS for including female contestants on their teams, a progressive step toward gender inclusivity in science and mathematics competitions. This recognition set the tone for a contest that not only celebrated academic excellence but also embraced diversity.

Keta SHTS Takes the Lead from the Start

From the first round, Keta SHTS made their intentions clear, displaying a commanding lead. They tackled general questions across subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology with remarkable precision, quickly pulling ahead with 33 points.

Achimota School trailed behind with 20 points, while Mpraeso SHS managed 14 points. Perpetual Gakpetor, a standout contestant from Keta SHTS, wowed the audience with her swift and accurate responses, playing a crucial role in her school’s early dominance.

A Tough Speed Race in Round Two

The second round, known as the “Prudential Life Insurance Speed Race,” proved challenging for all the schools. The fast-paced format tested the contestants’ ability to think quickly under pressure. Keta SHTS added just two points to their score, reaching 35 points. Achimota School gained four points to hit 24, while Mpraeso SHS struggled, losing five crucial points and dropping to 9.

Stumbling Over the ‘Problem of the Day’

Round Three, the “Problem of the Day,” left all three schools stumped. Achimota School managed to score five out of 10 points, inching closer to the leaders with 29 points. Keta SHTS secured three points, bringing their total to 38, while Mpraeso SHS ended the round with a modest two points, reaching 11.

Jupay Money Transfer True/False Brings a Competitive Edge

The fourth round saw a surge in competitiveness during the “Jupay Money Transfer True/False” segment. Both Keta SHTS and Achimota School gained 10 points each, while Mpraeso SHS also boosted their score with an additional 10 points. The supporters’ excitement was palpable, as the scores tightened, leaving everyone on the edge of their seats.

A Thrilling Climax at the GOIL Riddle Bonanza

The contest reached an exhilarating conclusion during the fifth and final round, known as the “GOIL Riddle Bonanza.” Keta SHTS’s substitute, Fredrick Sowalo, electrified the audience by solving the first two riddles, earning roars of approval from the crowd. Achimota School managed to grab the final riddle, but their efforts were not enough to catch up to Keta SHTS.

Final Scores and Awards

The final scores saw Keta SHTS emerge victorious with 54 points, Achimota School at 42, and Mpraeso SHS at 21. The win not only earned Keta SHTS a spot in the Semi-final Stage but also saw them clinch the Pepsodent Highest Scorer Award worth GH₵3,000, along with an additional GH₵1,000 for solving two riddles. Achimota School received GH₵500 for solving one riddle, courtesy of the GOIL Super Bonanza.

Round-by-Round Scores Breakdown:

Round One (General Questions):

• Keta SHTS: 33
• Achimota School: 20
• Mpraeso SHS: 14

Round Two (Prudential Life Insurance Speed Race):

• Keta SHTS: 35
• Achimota School: 24
• Mpraeso SHS: 9

Round Three (Problem of the Day):

• Keta SHTS: 38
• Achimota School: 29
• Mpraeso SHS: 11

Round Four (Jupay Money Transfer True/False):

• Keta SHTS: 48
• Achimota School: 39
• Mpraeso SHS: 21

Round Five (GOIL Riddle Bonanza):

• Keta SHTS: 54
• Achimota School: 42
• Mpraeso SHS: 21

The 2024 National Science & Maths Quiz, produced by Primetime Limited, continues to be a beacon of academic excellence and intellectual prowess. This year’s contest is proudly sponsored by the Ghana Education Service in partnership with GOIL PLC, and supported by organizations like Joy News, Pepsodent, Jupay Money Transfer, Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, and Beta Malt, among others. As Keta SHTS moves forward to the Semi-finals, the excitement builds, with many eagerly anticipating what promises to be an even more thrilling stage of the competition.

Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from the 2024 NSMQ!