The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has pledged support to the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) competition in promoting the study of Science and Maths, which are the bedrock of our very existence as a society.
The NSMQ seeks to promote the study of Science and Mathematics in the country, as the programme has been popular in unearthing local young scholarly talent since 1993.
In a speech at the NSMQ 2022 finals at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GNPC, Opoku-Ahweneeh Danquah, said the NMSQ stands as a good project, for which reason the GNPC has decided to join in promoting it.
“Indeed, the NMSQ is a good project, and that is why the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has decided to join in promoting the study of Science and Maths, which is the bedrock of our very existence as a society. Today, every thriving society is making huge investments in the study and promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM),” the CEO said.
Mr. Danquah said the GNPC as the national oil company (NOC) recognises the urgent need to maximise local content and participation for the people of Ghana, through developing expertise in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) within the value chain for job creation
The 2022 NSMQ began with 485 senior high schools competing at the regional level. Of these, 117 schools advanced to the Preliminary Stage of the National Championship, which included 108 winners and nine top runners-up from the Regional Qualifiers.
He congratulated all participating schools and their contestants in relation to the rigours of preparation, discipline and dedication required to climb the stage and be part of this year’s NSMQ, as some have already started to prepare for the 2023 edition.
Being a former contestant about 25 years ago himself, the CEO said: “Personally, I feel the biggest experience in science is the process – or known to most of us as the scientific method. The meticulous empirical method has characterised the development of science. Science teaches us that it doesn’t matter how smart or knowledgeable one is, one cannot hasten the process. The greatest success of science is the spirit of never giving up.”
PRESEC Legon wins
On Wednesday, October 26, 2022, the Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC Legon) prevailed over 2021 winners Prempeh College and Adisadel College in a fiercely contested final to claim victory in the NSMQ competition’s 2022 iteration.
The six-time winners, Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School, joined the competition at the one-eighth stage, as a finalist from the 2021 edition and as Greater Accra Regional Champions. This was after three consecutive NSMQ final appearances.
They faced Asanteman SHS and Shama SHS, and after a sluggish start in the one-eighth stage they advanced into the quarter-finals after holding-off Asanteman SHS’s valiant effort. In a nail-biting match against Accra Academy and Pope John Seminary & SHS in the quarter-finals, the ‘Christian Gentlemen’ did their research and came back stronger.
All other participants felt uneasy in their imposing presence in the semi-final. They won the battle against St. James Seminary SHS at the semi-final stage, securing their spot in the finals of NSMQ 2022 for the fourth time in a row -a feat that only they and Adisadel College can claim.
Since 1995, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2020 and 2022 consecutively, PRESEC Legon, which had previously won the championship six times, overcame the champions of the 2021 edition and Adisadel College to win the NSMQ for the seventh time.
