Three Ahafo schools clinch spots at 2026 NSMQ nationals after fierce regional showdown

The 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) Ahafo Regional qualifiers have concluded, with three schools securing their berths at the national championship stage following a day of intense academic competition that showcased the calibre of science and mathematics education across the region.

Serwaa Kesse Girls' Senior High School emerged as the standout performer in the first contest, dominating proceedings with an impressive 37-point haul to guarantee their ticket to the nationals. The school finished well clear of Acherensua SHS, which accumulated 22 points, whilst Gyamfi Kumanini SHTS recorded 20 points and Hwidiem SHS failed to register any points on the day.

The second contest brought fresh drama, with Mim SHS delivering the highest single score of the entire regional qualifier—40 points—to secure their national championship spot. The victory proved decisive against OLA Girls' SHS, Kenyasi, who finished as runners-up with 29 points, and Ahafoman SHTS, who ended with 22 points.

Presec Bechem claimed the final qualification slot available for the Ahafo Region, edging out competition with 28 points. The school's triumph was confirmed ahead of Samuel Otu Presby SHS (21 points) and Sankore SHS (9 points), securing their place amongst Ghana's elite secondary schools for the national contest.

What the NSMQ nationals mean for these schools

With regional qualifications now complete across the country, these three Ahafo schools will join qualifiers from the remaining regions and the 27 traditionally seeded schools at the national championship. The NSMQ remains one of Ghana's most prestigious and closely watched academic competitions, regularly drawing audiences across television, radio and social media platforms. Success at the nationals elevates participating schools' profiles significantly, enhancing their reputation and often boosting student recruitment.

For schools from regions outside the traditional powerhouse zones, qualifying for nationals represents a validation of their academic standing and teaching quality, often sparking renewed interest in science and mathematics disciplines among students.

The road to Ghana's NSMQ champions

The national championship stage brings together the strongest academic minds from across secondary schools in Ghana. The 2026 edition will feature rigorous rounds of questioning covering advanced science and mathematics topics, with teams competing in formats that have become familiar to NSMQ enthusiasts—multiple choice rounds, speed rounds and puzzle segments.

The three Ahafo qualifiers will now face the formidable challenge of competing against established champions and other regional qualifiers. Historically, schools from the Ashanti, Eastern and Greater Accra regions have dominated the competition, though determined performances from other regions have occasionally yielded surprises.

Building momentum for Ahafo region

The Ahafo Region's representation at the national stage reflects ongoing improvements in secondary education quality across the area. With three schools now positioned to compete nationally, the region has strengthened its presence in this flagship academic competition. Success of these schools at the nationals could inspire younger students in Ahafo secondary institutions to pursue science and mathematics with greater vigour, potentially creating a pipeline of talent for future editions of the quiz.

The 2026 NSMQ national championship will be eagerly anticipated by Ghanaians nationwide, and supporters of Serwaa Kesse Girls', Mim SHS and Presec Bechem will be closely following their teams' progress through the national rounds.