By Prince Acquah
Cape Coast, Nov. 7, GNA – Mfantsipim School, the reigning champions of the National Science and Maths Quiz, has consolidated their reign in a triumphant victory over St Augustine’s College and Opoku Ware School to lift their fourth national trophy.
Mfantsipim secured 56 points to beat their city rivals St Augustine’s College with 42 points and Opoku Ware who obtained 29 points in the grand finale of the competition in Cape Coast.
By this, the “fathers” represented by Benjamin Kwadwo Boakye Anim, Mohammed Mahama Quainoo and Tijani Mumuni, have broken the longstanding record of back-to-back wins, having hosted and won twice in 2024 and 2025.
St Augustine’s College, represented by Harold Adama Datti, Nana Benyin Buaful, and Daniel Eyiram Adzano, sought to clinch their third trophy having their first in 2007 and the second 2019.
Opoku Ware, also two-time champions represented by John Kusi, Stephen Kofi Apemah-Baah, and David Opoku, were also eyeing their third trophy after victories in 1997 and 2002.
Given their impressive run in the quarterfinals and semi-finals, Opoku Ware were tipped by many to lift the trophy this year.
However, Mfantsipim were determined to make history with a back-to-back victory to make a statement and retain the bragging rights.
The New Examination Centre at the University of Cape Coast took a sudden festive and euphoric atmosphere just before the beginning of the grand contest.
Students, old boys, and supporters of the contesting schools engaged in an electrifying jama competition and playful banters to set the mood for the historic showdown in the citadel of education, Cape Coast.
A couple of hours prior to the event, the centre and its forecourt were missing the usual euphoria as students and other guests went through strict security protocols to access the auditorium.
The contest was held under strict police and military protection to avert chaos and maintain order, taking a cue from the commotion that occurred during a quarterfinal contest involving Prempeh College, Adisadel College and Mfantsipim.
The grand finale of the quiz was a showpiece that delivered a befitting competitive set of rounds which kept supporters and audience on tenterhooks throughout the contest.
With unwavering resolve to clinch the trophy, the contestants treaded tactfully and with extreme caution, avoiding bonuses that could cost them precious points.
With stakes through the roof, the first round was rich in protests mostly from the Mfantsipim School, all of which were flatly rejected for lack of substance.
The Botwe boys carried the round with 20 points as St Augustine’s College and Opoku Ware breathed down their neck with 17 points each.
The speed race, which had been the major strength of Opoku Ware throughout the competition, became their bane in the grand finale as they ended the second round without picking a single point.
Mfantsipim School, however, exhibited their determination to retain the bragging rights when they answered correctly the first speed race question barely before it was completed.
Their green and white city rivals, determined to revenge their defeat last year, swiftly responded in a greater measure to lead the contest with 27 points, three clear points ahead of Botwe.
Without hesitation, the Botwe boys took back the leading position after scoring six points for the “problem of the day” in the third round to reach 30 points, leading St Augustine’s by one point and Opoku Ware by 11 points.
Round four ended with Mfantsipim School stretching their lead marginally with 46 points, as St Augustine’s College and Opoku Ware followed with 42 and 29 points respectively.
It was in the final round that the “fathers” put their “sons” in the right places, ending the contest with a commanding 56 points as St Augustine’s College and Opoku Ware failed to answer a single riddle.
The New Examination Centre erupted in deafening cheers and chants when the last and final riddle was answered by Botwe.
For their prize, the defending champions were awarded GHC70,000, an all-paid trip to Dubai and many other awards.
St Augustine’s College received GHC50,000 and several other prizes as their reward for coming second while Opoku Ware School took home GHC35,000 and other gifts for third price.
Blessed Oforiwaa Nsiah, a contestant from Mankranso SHS received 40,000 dollars worth of scholarship from the Academic City University covering her tuition, accommodation, laptop, books and meals for her impressive performance in the competition.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Christian Akorlie