Explore the remarkable journeys of Mfantsipim School, St. Augustine’s College, and Opoku Ware School to the NSMQ 2025 Grand Finale in Cape Coast— including profiles of their lead contestants, semifinal statistics, and analytical insights on who might lift the trophy.
1. The Finalists Set for Accra Showdown
The stage is set for one of the most anticipated NSMQ finales in years. On Thursday, 6 November 2025, the University of Cape Coast, will host three former champions — Mfantsipim School, St. Augustine’s College, and Opoku Ware School — each determined to etch its name again in the annals of Ghana’s most prestigious academic contest.
These are not just schools; they represent decades of legacy, intellectual tradition, and rivalry between the Central and Ashanti Regions.
2. Mfantsipim School: The Defending Champions
Mfantsipim entered the 2025 contest as reigning champions. Their regional performance was measured, not flashy, but their consistency carried through each national round.
In the semifinals, they defeated Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) and Mankranso SHS, recording 42 points. Their strategic balance between science and mathematics and their steady rhythm across all five rounds have kept them ahead.
Key contestant: Samuel Biney, the measured and soft-spoken science ace, is known for his precision in physics and for anchoring his team through quick-thinking rounds. His confidence under pressure mirrors the team’s overall composure.
Analytical note: Mfantsipim’s strength lies in disciplined team coordination and minimal unforced errors. Their challenge at the final will be maintaining momentum against faster, more aggressive opponents.
3. St. Augustine’s College: The Composed Return
The “Augusco boys” return to the final with redemption in sight. After narrowly losing past finals, 2025 has seen them reclaim their form. Their semifinal victory over Pope John SHS and Amaniampong SHS with 46 points was anchored by a strong finish in the riddle round, proving their endurance.
Key contestant: Michael Tetteh, the calm strategist and team captain, has become a household name among NSMQ fans. Known for his mathematical accuracy and quiet determination, he has mastered the art of leading under stress — often smiling at tense moments when others freeze.
Analytical note: St. Augustine’s exhibits balance between speed and control. Their key advantage is the ability to rally late in the contest, often turning deficits into wins. The question is whether that composure will be enough against Mfantsipim’s precision or OWASS’s raw pace.
4. Opoku Ware School: The Ashanti Resurgence
Opoku Ware’s journey to the final is a story of resurgence. Their semifinal triumph over Achimota School and St. Peter’s SHS (scoring 48 points) re-established them as a powerhouse. Their performance was marked by early dominance and unrelenting speed through the problem-solving and riddle segments.
Key contestant: Stephen Kofi Apemah-Baah, already a national sensation, has been the face of this resurgence. At only sixteen, he has appeared in three consecutive NSMQ seasons — an unprecedented feat. His sharp recall, daring calculations, and fearless approach have revived OWASS’s competitive pride.
Analytical note: OWASS plays with high tempo and risk. Their success depends on translating early leads into sustained control. The suspense surrounds whether youthful energy can outlast the composed precision of the two Cape Coast giants.
5. Strategic Comparison
| School | Key Strengths | Tactical Weaknesses | Star Contestant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mfantsipim | Precision, experience, calm leadership | Sometimes too cautious under pressure | Samuel Biney |
| St. Augustine’s | Composure, steady rallying ability | Slow starts in early rounds | Michael Tetteh |
| Opoku Ware | Aggression, quick recall, fearless approach | Occasional overconfidence, rushed errors | Stephen Kofi Apemah-Baah |
Analytical insight:
The 2025 final highlights three philosophies of competition — control, composure, and courage. Whoever blends all three will likely lift the trophy.
6. The Grand Finale: More Than a Contest
The NSMQ 2025 finale is not just a test of scientific knowledge. It is a reflection of Ghana’s enduring faith in education as the ladder of progress. For students across the country, these finalists stand as proof that discipline and critical thinking still command national attention.
Whether it ends with Mfantsipim defending, Augusco redeeming, or OWASS rewriting history, November 6 2025 will mark another milestone in the nation’s intellectual heritage.
Related Links:
- Full NSMQ 2025 Semifinal Results & Commentary
- History of NSMQ Champions (1994–2025)
- Profile: Stephen Kofi Apemah-Baah, Ghana’s Young Science Prodigy
By Ferdinand Ellis
EducationGhana.org | November 2025
Discover more from EducationGhana
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
