Every great idea often starts with a single question — and Ghana’s National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) began the same way. In 1993, while playing tennis at the University of Ghana, Legon, Dr. Kwaku Mensa-Bonsu, Managing Director of Primetime Limited, paused to ask: “Why can birds sit on electric wires without being electrocuted, but humans cannot?” That curious question sparked the concept of a national quiz to celebrate science and mathematics and to challenge young minds across the country.
By 1994 the idea had been turned into reality. Organised by Primetime in partnership with the Ghana Education Service, the first NSMQ invited 32 schools and crowned Prempeh College as the inaugural champion. The quiz immediately captured public imagination and quickly became a national institution.
The Early Years: Rise of the Titans (1994–2000)
The 1990s were the cradle of fierce academic rivalries. Prempeh College opened the scoreboard in 1994, PRESEC–Legon followed in 1995, and Prempeh reclaimed the crown in 1996. Opoku Ware School won in 1997, while Achimota School lifted the trophy in 1998, marking a notable success for the co-educational schools. In 1999, Mfantsipim School appears on the winners’ roll. The new millennium began with St. Peter’s SHS taking the 2000 title, bringing further geographic diversity to the list of champions.
The 2000s: A New Era of Excellence
The 2000s saw a range of champions and the rise of lasting dynasties. Pope John SHS & Minor Seminary won in 2001, and Opoku Ware School again in 2002. PRESEC–Legon began to assert itself, winning in 2003 and building momentum through the decade. Achimota reclaimed the prize in 2004, and St. Peter’s SHS won again in 2005. Importantly, St. Augustine’s College claimed the national title in 2007, a milestone year for the Cape Coast school. PRESEC added further wins in 2006, 2008, and 2009, cementing its reputation as a powerhouse.
The 2010s: Diversity and New Champions
After a short hiatus earlier in the decade, the NSMQ returned with new faces on the podium. Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) took the 2012 title, St. Thomas Aquinas SHS won in 2013, and Mfantsipim School again in 2014. Prempeh College regained prominence with wins in 2015 and 2017, while Adisadel College recorded a first-ever victory in 2016. St. Peter’s SHS returned to the top in 2018, and St. Augustine’s College added another title in 2019.
The 2020s: Tradition Meets Transformation
The new decade began with PRESEC–Legon winning in 2020. Prempeh College added another title in 2021, and PRESEC responded with further victories in 2022 and 2023, extending their lead in the all-time winners’ list. In 2024 and 2025, Mfantsipim School won back-to-back titles — a dramatic moment that reinforced the school’s place among the competition’s most successful programs.
The Spirit of the Quiz
From Dr. Kwaku Mensa-Bonsu’s curious question to packed auditoriums and national TV audiences, the NSMQ has become more than a contest — it’s a celebration of Ghanaian intellect and a pipeline to STEM inspiration. With each year, a new set of students take the stage, proving that the country’s next generation of scientists, engineers and thinkers is ready to answer the call.
So far, no all-girls school has ever won the NSMQ. The competition’s roll of honour has been dominated by boys’ and co-educational schools since inception.
A Complete Roll of Winners
1994 – Prempeh College
1995 – PRESEC–Legon
1996 – Prempeh College
1997 – Opoku Ware School
1998 – Achimota School
1999 – Mfantsipim School
2000 – St. Peter’s SHS
2001 – Pope John SHS & Minor Seminary
2002 – Opoku Ware School
2003 – PRESEC–Legon
2004 – Achimota School
2005 – St. Peter’s SHS
2006 – PRESEC–Legon
2007 – St. Augustine’s College
2008 – PRESEC–Legon
2009 – PRESEC–Legon
2012 – GSTS
2013 – St. Thomas Aquinas SHS
2014 – Mfantsipim School
2015 – Prempeh College
2016 – Adisadel College
2017 – Prempeh College
2018 – St. Peter’s SHS
2019 – St. Augustine’s College
2020 – PRESEC–Legon
2021 – Prempeh College
2022 – PRESEC–Legon
2023 – PRESEC–Legon
2024 – Mfantsipim School
2025 – Mfantsipim School
