The NSMQ has deeply ingrained itself in the very fabric of Ghanaian society, symbolizing a profound commitment to the future of our motherland. It serves as a testament that the present generation and corporate Ghana are actively invested in shaping the destiny of our nation. This commitment is evident through their wholehearted participation and endorsement of the NSMQ, which plays a pivotal role in nurturing brilliant minds, thus preparing them to devise solutions that will benefit future generations.
the erudite Quiz Mistress Ing. Prof. Elsie Effah Kauffman
The 2023 edition of the NSMQ commenced on October 6, 2023, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, with great enthusiasm and energy. Each school came well-prepared, eager to shine and bring joy to their students and alumni.
This vision has now become a reality. The schools have put forth their best efforts, but as tradition dictates, only one school will emerge victorious after all the challenges and hard-fought battles. Will Presec successfully defend the trophy in honour of its 85th Anniversary? Can Prempeh College recover from the heartbreak of losing the trophy to Presec last year?
In contrast, Opoku Ware School faced a heartbreaking elimination, narrowly missing the opportunity to secure a place in the finals but ultimately falling to the determined Adisadel College in 2022. Notably, St. Augustine's College, realizing their own progression was impossible, displayed a remarkable show of central regional solidarity by throwing their support behind Augusco in a unique display of camaraderie during the NSMQ against Owass. This unified strength propelled Adisco to the finals, where they faced formidable opponents in the form of Presec and Prempeh College. NSMQ 2022 proved to be a top-notch competition, earning recognition as the CIMG TV and new media campaign of the year in 2022.
The NSMQ 2023 seems to be following in the footsteps of its predecessor, replicating the same level of excitement and excellence. The journey so far has been remarkable, and the thrill in the air is simply magical.
NSMQ is ingrained in the marrow of the Ghanaian society
One-eighth Stage
Initially, the number of seeded schools commencing the One-eighth Stage of the NSMQ 2023 was intended to be 27. However, in an effort to elevate the intensity and competitiveness of the regional championships, regional champions who were not already seeded have been awarded automatic seeding as a recognition of their dedication and hard work. The first beneficiaries of this new policy include Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS), Kumasi Anglican Senior High School (Kass), and Tamale Islamic Senior High School.
This development added an exciting twist to the competition, as 30 seeded schools now entered the fray. Each school aspired to secure a seed, even if they didn't ultimately win the trophy. To earn a seed, schools had to battle their way to the Quarter-final Stage, guaranteeing them an automatic seed. This meant that a school granted an automatic seed would skip the Regional Qualifiers and Prelims, commencing their journey directly from the One-eighth Stage.
Wesley Girls' are poised for greatness
One-eighth Stage Competitions
The One-eighth Stage brought forth its fair share of drama, controversies, protests, and victorious moments. It all began at the Saarah-Mensah Auditorium on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, as Wesley Girls' High School, determined to claim the trophy, faced off against Archbishop Porter Girls and Ghanata SHS. Wesley Girls displayed remarkable intelligence and prowess, overwhelming their competitors with a commanding performance and securing victory with 54 points.
Following this impressive win, Osei Kyeretwie Secondary School (Okess) had their day in the sun, scoring 49 points and defeating St. Joseph Seminary SHS and Notre Dame Girls' SHS. The latter, Notre Dame Girls, later qualified as the top runner-up to the One-eighth Stage. In another exciting match, Wesley Grammar SHS secured a Quarter-final Stage qualification after a tiebreaker with 31 points, narrowly defeating Tema Methodist SHS.
stylish and up to the task
Over at Kumapley, Mpraeso SHS, a true 'David' in the competition, triumphed over the formidable opponents Ghana National College and Aggrey Memorial Zion SHS with an impressive score of 43 points. Additionally, Kumasi High School, the 2022 Semifinalists, eliminated Okuapemman School and Anlo SHS from the competition, showing their prowess. Achimota School, fueled with renewed energy and determined to make a statement on the 30th Anniversary of the NSMQ, eliminated Holy Child School, which had advanced from the Prelims as runner-up.
The 14th contest of the One-eighth Stage was a thrilling one, with St. James Seminary SHS renewing their hopes by tying with an impressive score of 44 points against Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Girls SHS and St. Thomas Aquinas, the highest scorer in the 2022 competition. In the 18th contest at the Kumapley Auditorium, five-time champions and 2022 first runner-up, Prempeh College, reignited their quest for a sixth trophy with an impressive score of 52 points, defeating T.I. Amass, Fomena, and Navrongo SHS.
The icing on the cake and the most anticipated contest of the One-eighth Stage featured the reigning and seven-time champions, Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School, Legon. They competed against impressive runners-up, Konongo Odumasi SHS, and Kumasi Wesley Girls' SHS. The only school to have won the NSMQ trophy back-to-back, Presec, Legon, emerged victorious with a remarkable 60 points. The Quarterfinal stage is now set!
NSMQ 2023 Quarter-final pairings
Quarterfinal Preview
The Quarter-final Stage kicks off today, October 15, 2023, at the Saarah Mensah Auditorium, with the esteemed Quiz Mistress, Ing. Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann, taking the center stage. Her wealth of experience in the NSMQ adds a unique dimension to the competition. Unlike the previous two Stages, the Quarter-final Stage will be exclusively held at the Saarah-Mensah Auditorium.
Commencing this stage is Wesley Girls' High School, aiming to fulfill their aspirations of becoming the first girls' school to clinch the coveted NSMQ trophy this year. Their journey begins with a match against Mpraeso SHS and Bishop Herman College.
In the afternoon, Okess will go head-to-head with Kumasi High School and Achimota School. Additionally, St. Louis SHS, the only girls' school to win the AT highest scorer award in the Prelims, will compete against Wesley Grammar School and the Ashanti Regional Champions, Anglican SHS, Kumasi, for a spot in the Semi-final Stage.
On October 16, 2023, Prempeh College will face Mawuli School and Abefiti Presby SHTS. Opoku Ware School will similarly vie for the 30th Anniversary Trophy against St. John's School and Osei Tutu SHS. Pope John's SHS & Min. Seminary will also battle for a Semi-final Spot, facing St. James Seminary SHS and Aburi Presby SHTS.
Agbenaa!! Defending champions, Presec poised for eighth victory
To conclude the Quarter-final Stage competitions on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, St. Augustine's College, 2022 Semi-finalists, will compete against the current highest scorer in the NSMQ 2023 competition, Keta SHTS, and Tamale SHS. Following suit, Kumasi Sec. Tech. will seek a Semifinal spot against two-time champions Mfantsipim School and Yilo Krobo SHS. Wrapping up the Quarterfinal Stage Competitions, Presec, Legon, the most successful school in NSMQ history, will vie for an eighth title against Accra Academy and GSTS. The NSMQ 30th Anniversary competitions have reached new heights, delivering intense suspense and enthusiasm. Best of luck to all participating schools!
The 30th Anniversary Edition of the NSMQ is proudly brought to you by the Ghana Education Service in partnership with GOIL PLC and supported by Joy News, AT, Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, Pepsodent Toothpaste, Beta Malt, GARNET, Coronation Insurance, Academic City University College, Accra College of Medicine, Cowbell, Bel Beverages, GTP, Newmont Ghana, Africa World Airlines, and YFM. This is a Primetime production!