St. Monica's Girls Reclaim NSMQ Spot After Two-Year Absence with Narrow Ashanti Victory

St. Monica's Senior High School has secured qualification for the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) Championship following a closely contested Ashanti Regional eliminating round, where the Accra-based girls' institution narrowly defeated Presbyterian Senior High School, Bompata, by just two points.

The victory marks a significant comeback for the "Munche" girls, who missed out on competing at the national level two years ago. The team's composed performance throughout the regional contest demonstrates renewed competitive strength and a return to form that should position them as serious contenders when the national championship takes place in 2026.

A Tense Final Round Battle

The qualifying contest came down to nerve and precision in the final round, with St. Monica's entering that stage holding a precarious one-point advantage over their rivals. The school had accumulated 46 points by the end of round three, a slender margin that could easily have been overturned by a strong finish from their opponents.

However, St. Monica's maintained their focus and composure when it mattered most, ultimately finishing with 49 points to secure the Ashanti Region's primary qualification slot for the 2026 championship. Presbyterian SHS, Bompata, demonstrated strong performance throughout the contest, finishing with 47 points in second place, whilst Bodwesango SHS rounded out the regional contest with one point.

The narrow winning margin—just two points—underscores the calibre of competition within the Ashanti Region, traditionally one of Ghana's most competitive zones for science and mathematics education. Both schools displayed the technical knowledge and quick-thinking required at the highest levels of the NSMQ.

Why This Matters for Ghana's STEM Pipeline

The NSMQ remains one of Ghana's most prestigious academic competitions, showcasing excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education across the country's secondary school system. Qualification for the national championship represents not only personal and institutional achievement for the winning school, but also reflects broader trends in STEM education quality and student preparation across regions.

St. Monica's return to the national stage after a two-year absence signals renewed investment and commitment to science and mathematics education at the institution. For the Ashanti Region, the competition results demonstrate the depth of talent available in schools throughout the zone. Presbyterian SHS, Bompata's strong second-place finish keeps them in contention for one of the 30 additional slots reserved for the highest-performing non-qualifying schools, meaning both institutions may yet meet again at the national championship.

As Ghana continues to emphasise STEM education as critical to national development and economic competitiveness, competitions like the NSMQ play an important role in identifying and celebrating academic excellence whilst motivating younger students to pursue rigorous study in these fields.

Looking Ahead to 2026

St. Monica's now enters the preparation phase for the 2026 NSMQ Championship, where they will face some of Ghana's most accomplished secondary schools in a test of their scientific knowledge, mathematical reasoning, and speed of thought. The regional victory provides momentum and confidence as the team begins its training regimen for the national stage.

The school's coaching staff will have the advantage of competing within a competitive national field, allowing them to benchmark their performance against established powerhouses and adjust their preparation strategy accordingly. For St. Monica's students and management, qualification represents vindication of their commitment to academic excellence and a fresh opportunity to pursue the coveted national title.