In an electrifying showdown, KETASCO outclassed two formidable rivals—Tamale SHS (TAMASCO) and Koforidua SHTS—in a battle filled with twists, turns and jaw-dropping moments that kept audiences on the edge of their seats until the very last second.

The semi-final contest, held at the prestigious SGS auditorium where spectators had packed to witness greatness on the morning of Sunday, October 27, was nothing short of spectacular.

These three academic giants locked horns, with each school gunning for a coveted spot in the grand finale. But from the onset, KETASCO made it clear: they were not here to merely participate—they were here for glory.

Determined to rewrite history after narrowly missing the ultimate prize in the 2022 finals against the powerhouse Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School, KETASCO left no room for doubt. This time, they were unstoppable.

KETASCO announced their presence right from the first round, storming to a 19-point lead while Tamale SHS trailed with 14 points, and Koforidua SHTS struggled at 9 point. The auditorium buzzed with tension and excitement, as the KETASCO supporters erupted in chants, their confidence growing with every correct answer.

But the battle was far from over. The second round saw the contest heat up as each school displayed sharp intellect and teamwork. In a jaw-dropping twist, Koforidua SHTS turned the tables, overtaking its challengers with a brilliant burst of points, clinching the lead at 17. KETASCO slipped to second with 16 points, while TAMASCO held steady at 14.

KETASCO, however, was not one to back down. The third and fourth rounds became their playground, as they mounted a sensational comeback, reclaiming the top spot with an astounding 29 points. Their rivals could only watch in awe as KETASCO surged forward like a tidal wave. Koforidua SHTS fought valiantly but dropped to second with 27 points, while TAMASCO struggled to keep pace with 21.

The final moments were a masterclass in determination and teamwork. Keta SHS sealed their victory with a commanding 38 points, securing their place in the grand finale and sending a clear message to all contenders—they are back and stronger than ever.

Koforidua SHTS ended with 27 points, a solid effort that was not enough to halt KETASCO’s momentum. Tamale SHS wrapped up their campaign with 24 points, bowing out of the competition.

KETASCO’s triumph has reignited the hopes and dreams of their fans, affirming their place among the elite contenders of the 2024 NSMQ. With the finals now within reach, the Volta stars are ready to take on whatever challenge lies ahead.

The 2024 National Science and Maths Quiz is produced by Primetime Limited and sponsored by the Ghana Education Service in partnership with GOIL PLC and supported by Pepsodent, Jupay, and Prudential Life Insurance Ghana.

The broadcast of the National Science & Maths Quiz on JoyNews is supported by NASCO, VitaMilk, Virtual Security Africa, Ace Medical Insurance, Built Financial Technologies, DBS Roofing, Sintex Tanks, Family Health Medical School,  Chopbox Technologies and Action Secondary Technical School.

Source: Prince Adu-Owusu

This was not just any quiz; it was an intense battle of wits, knowledge, and strategy, with each team fighting tooth and nail for a coveted spot in the semi-finals.

These three seeded schools had already brushed aside their opponents at the one-eighth stage, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown. And what a showdown it was!

From the onset, Tamale SHS showed they meant business, surging ahead with 19 points. St John’s School was hot on their heels with 17 points, while Accra Academy, though trailing slightly, remained within striking distance with 14 points.

It was clear that this would be a battle fought round-by-round, and none of the teams showed any signs of backing down.

As the contest progressed, the intensity soared. TAMASCO built on their early momentum, extending their lead to 25 points, while St John’s School and Accra Academy trailed with 19 and 18 points respectively.

At this stage, TAMASCO supporters were in high spirits, while tension began to creep into the faces of those cheering for the other schools.

But just when it seemed like TAMASCO would cruise to victory, St. John’s School delivered a stunning performance in the third and fourth rounds. Their remarkable teamwork and intellectual finesse propelled them to 38 points, snatching the top spot and putting them in pole position to advance.

TAMASCO slipped to 34 points, while Accra Academy remained in third with 32 points. Suddenly, the tide had turned, and the excitement in the room was electric.

With everything on the line, the final round delivered the kind of drama that only the NSMQ can provide.

In a nail-biting, heart-pounding twist, TAMASCO stormed back into the lead with a dazzling display of knowledge and composure, amassing a total of 40 points to emerge victorious.

St. John’s School, despite their earlier brilliance, could not add to their tally, finishing with 38 points. Accra Academy, unable to catch up, concluded the contest with 32 points.

The TAMASCO supporters erupted in jubilation, celebrating a hard-fought victory that secured their spot in the semi-finals.

The 2024 National Science and Maths Quiz is produced by Primetime Limited and sponsored by the Ghana Education Service in partnership with GOIL PLC and supported by Pepsodent, Jupay, and Prudential Life Insurance Ghana.

The broadcast of the National Science & Maths Quiz on JoyNews is supported by NASCO, VitaMilk, Virtual Security Africa, Ace Medical Insurance, Built Financial Technologies, DBS Roofing, Sintex Tanks, Family Health Medical School, Chopbox Technologies and Action Secondary Technical School.

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In a dramatic contest for academic supremacy, the school beat their city rivals, Tamale SHS and Upper West’s St. Francis Xavier Seminary to clinch the ultimate title.

The atmosphere at the GNAT Hall in Tamale was characterised by sheer rivalry between the two Tamale-based schools boasting to be the overlords of the north.

The two schools had met in the semi-final stage where Tamale SHS handed GHANASCO a painful defeat.

But qualifying as the top runner-up from the semi-finals, GHANASCO was determined to revenge their nemesis at the grand finale.

The final contest proved to be a tough one for the lions of TAMASCO as they failed to keep up with the comfortable pace they had begun with at the beginning of the contest.

Consumed by a fervent desire to win and make history, the boys from GHANASCO looked unperturbed when they trailed Tamale SHS at the end of the first round with a four-point difference.

The school overturned the contest in the second round to lead with 6 points while TAMASCO and Xavescan were pegged at 23-points each.

St. Francis Xavier kept its margin between the GHANASCO but contrary to the brave speed of their totem (lions), TAMASCO barely could keep up with the momentum of the two schools.

Tamale SHS ended the third round with 24 points, as their contenders, Ghana SHS and St. Francis Xavier, accrued 42 and 36 points respectively.

At this point, the TAMASCANS were troubled and had already given up on their quest for a second trophy.

In the final round, the school however managed to answer two of the riddles correctly but that couldn’t garner them enough points to close the margin.

Wild cheers erupted within the four walls of the GNAT Hall in Tamale after GHANASCO answered a riddle to extend their lead affirming their stance to be the winners of the contest.

At the end of the contest, Ghana SHS secured 45 points while St. Francis Xavier Seminary came second with 36 points with Tamale SHS taking the third position with 30 points.

GHANASCO commenced their journey to the trophy from the regional qualifiers stage after they were knocked out at the one-eighth stage in 2023 of the national competition.

They are optimistic of an even masterful performance at the national tournament as they set out to become the debut national winners for the five Northern regions.

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