Ghana’s top 3 business schools: KNUST, UEW and UGBS set for explosive TBSC 2025 final showdown on Aug 9
A thrilling tie-break between two former national champions, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the University of Cape Coast (UCC), in the semi-final of the seventh edition of the Graphic Business Tertiary Business Sense Challenge (TBSC) saw three-time Northern Zone champions KNUST edge out UCC 66.83 to 64.83 to book their place in the final tomorrow.
The two schools, represented by quartets comprising Maclean Kraka, Charles Williams, Alfred Akwada and James Dordan Nyataaba of UCC, and Kwadwo Acheampong Opoku, Japhet Adeleke, Frederick Asontoliya and Daniel Ekow Baffoe of KNUST, battled fiercely from start to finish.
After five intense rounds, both schools were tied at 64.83 points apiece, forcing a tie-breaker. Quiz master Alhassan Yussif Trawule posed two riddles, which neither side could answer, leading to a second tie-breaker on “true or false” questions. KNUST answered their question correctly, while UCC failed, handing the Ashanti Region-based university the win.
The contest also featured a marquee introduction of three expert judges: Albert Nii Ayi Tagoe, Dicksoni Assan and Racheal Hemans, who evaluated the third round, dubbed “the business case of the day.” Team leads from each school had three minutes to deliver a sustainability and environmentally friendly business turnaround proposition, earning scores from the panel.
Following KNUST’s victory, a crestfallen UCC team quietly exited the stage, leaving the victors to celebrate.
In the second semi-final, the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) dominated Valley View University (VVU) with a commanding 80.83 to 34.33 victory to seal their place in the final. UEW’s quartet of Ashimi Awudu, Kojo Aaron Fiati, Matilda Appenteng Gyimah and Felix Blay Amoako outperformed VVU’s Mississo Credo, Elvis Boateng, Victoria Boateng Tuffour and Bright Peprah Yeboah in every round, including theory, calculations, the business case, Graphic Business Stories, true or false, and riddles.
The last semi-final saw the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) defeat the SD Dombo School of Business and Integrated Development Studies 74.17 to 57.17. Legon’s quintet of Nana Kwame Shalom Bagyinah, Cassandra Yas Asantewaa Afriyie Asante, Peter Emeka Ike, Dennis Kwaku Martey and Jonathan Nii Nai Sowa proved too strong for their opponents, securing the final slot for Saturday’s showdown against UEW and KNUST.
Designed as a bridge between academic theory and the business world, the TBSC continues to offer tertiary students a platform to showcase their business acumen, sharpen their critical thinking, and prepare for the demands of the corporate world, with an emphasis on ethics and environmental consciousness.
Quiz master Alhassan Trawule revealed that this year’s edition has expanded beyond its traditional format to include more comprehensive case study presentations judged by panels, as well as training sessions in computer literacy and mentorship days with seasoned professionals.
The University of Cape Coast remains the most successful school in the competition’s history, having won twice in 2019 and 2021. However, with 26 schools competing, including several new entrants, anticipation is high for an unpredictable finale.
The competition is sponsored by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana (ICAG), MTN, PwC, GLICO Life, Peeva Beverages, Papaye, GCB Bank and Compu Ghana.