The anticipation, suspense, and intensity steadily rose as the Goil PLC Greater Accra Regional Championship finals of the 2024 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) commenced on Friday.
As the stage was set and the curtains lifted on this much-awaited competition, four schools that had booked their slots in the regional qualifiers converged to embark on the journey of the regional championship race.
The participating schools—Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School (PRESEC), Achimota School, Accra Academy, and Ashaiman SHS—were brimming with enthusiasm and determination, having prepared diligently for this moment.
GREATER ACCRA CHAMPIONSHIP
End of Contest
Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School: 46pts
Accra Academy: 37pts
Achimota School: 29pts*
Ashaiman SHS: 29pts
Was it ever in doubt?
*winner of tie-breaker@Goil_Official#NSMQ2024 #Primetime pic.twitter.com/1ztt3F7pyz— National Science & Maths Quiz (@NSMQGhana) June 14, 2024
The battleground for this intellectual showdown was the Achimota School in Accra.
While every school arrived hopeful of putting up a good fight, Accra Academy entered with singing and dancing, displaying their enthusiasm and optimism about winning the regional championship title.
However, the 2023 Regional Champions, PRESEC, once again demonstrated their academic prowess as they clinched their sixth consecutive title with a staggering 46 points.
In the first round of the competition, Accra Academy took an early lead with 21 points, just 4 points ahead of their close contenders, PRESEC. Ashaiman SHS and Achimota School each secured 15 points.
In a surprising turn of events, the 'Ɔdadeɛ boys' overtook Accra Academy in the second round to claim first place with 30 points, while Accra Academy came second with 27 points. Ashaiman SHS held third place with 15 points, leaving Motown trailing with 13 points.
The Motown students who came to support their contestants were left discouraged and began leaving the auditorium, even failing to cheer when their representatives answered correctly, expressing their excitement only through clapping.
GREATER ACCRA CHAMPIONSHIP
— National Science & Maths Quiz (@NSMQGhana) June 14, 2024
End of Round 2
Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School: 30pts
Accra Academy: 27pts
Ashaiman SHS: 15pts
Achimota School: 13pts
Ei...so we dey lose for home again?@Goil_Official#NSMQ2024 #Primetime pic.twitter.com/YDD296qdYd
The contest grew even more intense, and the atmosphere brimmed with excitement as it progressed to the third round. With dedication and teamwork, PRESEC continued to lead, further widening the gap between themselves and their close contenders, Accra Academy.
PRESEC secured a whopping 43 points, while Accra Academy followed closely with 37 points. Ashaiman SHS maintained third place with 25 points, leaving Achimota lagging with 23 points.
In the last and final round of the competition, the Presecans continued their dominance, showing their contenders the exit as they emerged victorious in the Greater Accra Regional Championship finals with a landslide victory of 46 points.
Their close contender, Accra Academy, came second with 37 points, while Achimota School secured third place after winning a tie-breaker against Ashaiman SHS, with both schools having initially scored 29 points each.
After winning the contest, the 'Ɔdadeɛ boys' sang with immense joy as they left the auditorium.
Despite the loss, both Achimota School and Ashaiman SHS remain confident in their ability to perform well in the National Championship race.