Primetime MD calls for end to cyberbullying of NSMQ contestants

The Managing Director (MD) of Primetime Limited, organisers of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), Nana Akua Ankomah-Asare, has condemned the surge of cyberbullying at contestants of the quiz.

At the closing ceremony of this year's NSMQ in Cape Coast last Wednesday, Mrs Ankomah-Asare highlighted the negative impact of online attacks on contestants, urging social media users to respect contestants and celebrate their achievements rather than resorting to personal insults.

“While it’s fine to tease schools in the spirit of competition, attacking individual contestants is simply unacceptable,” Mrs Ankomah-Asare stated and underscored how such behaviours could harm contestants’ mental well-being and detract them from the spirit of the competition.

She further emphasised the dedication and hard work each of the contestants brought to the quiz, urging everyone to focus on their accomplishments rather than resorting to personal attacks.

Mrs Ankomah-Asare congratulated the finalist teams, from St Augustine’s, Mfantsipim, and Keta SHTS on their outstanding performances, encouraging them to continue inspiring others in their academic pursuits.

Memorable moments and surprises

This year’s NSMQ was filled with surprises, with unexpected schools advancing and even eliminating some well-known competitors.

For instance, Swedru SHS, a category ‘B’ school, made waves by defeating Techiman SHS and Edinaman SHS in the preliminary rounds.

In the 1/8th stage, they impressively knocked out the Ashanti Regional champions, Kumasi High School, though they eventually exited at the quarterfinals after being bested by this year’s champions, Mfantsipim School.

Apam SHS also shocked viewers when they defeated Central Region champions, Adisadel College, in the 1/8 stage, a result few had anticipated.

The dares

Defying public expectations, Biakoye Community SHS, a school without a General Science programme, daringly fielded a team of Visual Arts and Home Economics students for the competition. Though they exited in the preliminaries, their passion for the competition shone brightly, capturing the spirit of the NSMQ.

Final Results and Awards

After a closely contested final, Mfantsipim School emerged victorious with 47 points, narrowly edging out St Augustine’s College, who scored 46 points, and Keta SHTS, finished in third place with 32 points.

Mfantsipim School took home the ultimate prize, which included a cash award of GH¢ 70,000, sponsored by the Ghana Education Service (GES) and Goil PLC.

St Augustine’s College received GH¢50,000 as the first runner-up, while Keta SHTS was awarded GH¢35,000 for their second runner-up finish.

Swedru SHS earned the award as the less-endowed school, receiving GH¢7,000, presented by Dr Kwaku Mensa-Bonsu.

The Jacob and Elizabeth Banful Memorial Award, worth GH¢10,000, was awarded to Swedru SHS’s teachers in recognition of their contribution.

Additionally, Apam SHS was presented the Newmont Africa Golden Journey Award for the best-performing less-endowed school, along with a cash prize of GH¢25,000.

Wesley Girls’ High School was honoured as the best-performing all-girls school and received GH¢25,000, sponsored by Newmont Africa.

Meanwhile, Academic City College awarded Anita Pokua from Wesley Girls’ with a scholarship for the best-performing female contestant from an all-girls school.

The award included tuition, accommodation, food, books, a laptop, and a monthly stipend.

The Prof. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu’s Award for the most outstanding female contestant went to Perpetual Sefakor Gakpetor of Keta SHTS, who was celebrated for her remarkable performance throughout the competition.

The Oguaamanhen, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, expressed excitement about hosting this year’s NSMQ in the Central Region and particularly in Cape Coast.

He commended the organisers for a well-coordinated event and was hopeful that Cape Coast would host the event again next year.