Tamale SHS and Anglican SHS Dominate as Labone and Winneba Survive Thrillers in 2026 NSMQ Preliminary Round

The preliminary stage of the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) has concluded at the CNC Auditorium with a series of high-octane contests that saw established powerhouses and ambitious underdogs battle for spots in the One-Eighth stage. Leading the pack with commanding performances were Anglican Senior High School, Kumasi, and Tamale Senior High School. Anglican SHS delivered a masterclass, amassing 69 points to sweep aside Shama SHS and Namong SHTS. Similarly, the 'Lions' of Tamale SHS roared to victory with 68 points, significantly outpacing Kalpohin SHS and Wenchi Methodist SHS. Both schools demonstrated exceptional accuracy, with Tamale SHS earning the Jupay Clean Sheet Prize and Anglican SHS securing the GOIL Riddle Bonanza Award for perfect rounds.

While some schools cruised to victory, others survived nerve-wracking encounters that came down to the final riddles. Labone Senior High School provided the most emotional highlight of the round, securing a narrow 41-39 win over Notre Dame Seminary SHS. The contest was marked by multiple lead changes and ended with tears of relief from the Labone contestants, who also claimed a Clean Sheet prize for the Problem of the Day. In another tight fixture, Winneba Secondary School held its nerve to finish with 44 points, just two points ahead of Fijai SHS’s 42. Ofori Panin SHS (OPASS) also staged a remarkable comeback, overturning an early lead by Mim SHS to finish with 53 points, while Mim SHS’s 42 points keeps them in contention for a top-runner-up spot.

The regional rivalries were equally intense as Kumasi Girls’ SHS, popularly known as 'AHEMAA', silenced Osei Kyeretwie SHS ('AHENEMMA') with a dominant 43-32 victory. In the Oti Region, Kadjebi-Asato SHS maintained their strong reputation by booking their One-Eighth spot with 56 points against a spirited Ahantaman Girls’ SHS, who finished with 48 points. Meanwhile, Tema Secondary School (TEMASCO) found redemption after a disappointing exit in the previous year, qualifying with 42 points ahead of St. Paul’s SHS and Tarkwa SHS. Despite the losses, several schools like Ahantaman Girls and Mim SHS may still advance through the high-scoring runner-up route.

Produced by Primetime Limited in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service, the 2026 NSMQ continues to serve as a premier platform for showcasing academic excellence in science and mathematics. The competition is supported by a variety of sponsors including Goil PLC, JoyNews, and VitaMilk. As the successful schools transition to the One-Eighth stage, the intensity is expected to rise as they face seeded schools in the quest for the ultimate trophy. The preliminary results highlight a growing parity in the competition, with debutants like Namong SHTS making their mark by winning awards despite not placing first in their respective matches.