In a nail-biting showdown at the 2023 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) semi-final, Opoku Ware School (OWASS) has triumphed over their archrivals, Prempeh College, securing a spot in the highly anticipated grand finale.
The semi-final contest was nothing short of exhilarating, with both schools displaying their intellectual prowess. From the outset, it was clear that this would be a closely contested battle.
The competition commenced with Opoku Ware School and Pope John Seminary, both amassing an impressive 13 points each in the first round. Prempeh College closely followed with 12 points.
![**Title: PRESEC Legon Secures Historic Eighth NSMQ Trophy** *Ghana - [Date]* In a historic victory, PRESEC Legon has clinched its eighth National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) trophy, marking the second successful title defense in the competition's history. This outstanding achievement solidifies PRESEC Legon's position as the only school to hold the NSMQ title defense record. They initially set this record in 2006, and have now added a second consecutive title defense to their legacy. PRESEC Legon faced strong competition from their city rivals, Achimota School, and Opoku Ware School from Kumasi. Both schools aimed to secure their third NSMQ title, but PRESEC Legon's dominance prevailed. However, PRESEC Legon's journey to the 2023 title was anything but easy. They faced fierce competition and nearly suffered an upset during their quarterfinal clash. Accra Academy challenged them with a spirited performance, gaining admiration from NSMQ fans. The final match showcased PRESEC Legon's unwavering strength. In the first round, they took the lead with 18 points, while Achimota School and Opoku Ware School trailed with 11 and 09 points, respectively. The intense competition continued into the second round, where Achimota and OWASS accumulated 14 and 12 points, respectively, but PRESEC maintained a commanding lead with 23 points. The third round's "problem of the day" saw PRESEC earn four points, while Achimota and OWASS secured three and two points, demonstrating their tenacity. Achimota School closed in on PRESEC in the true or false section (round four), reducing the lead to 21 points for PRESEC, but OWASS had 20 points. The final round, featuring riddles, decided the championship. PRESEC excelled in this round, answering most riddles and securing their win. They moved from 31 points to 40, while Achimota School and Opoku Ware School finished with 28 and 23 points, respectively. PRESEC Legon's victory reaffirms their dominance in the NSMQ, silencing critics and maintaining their top position. Achimota School and other contenders will have to wait another year to challenge PRESEC's supremacy. In the end, PRESEC Legon's supporters celebrated with the chant: "8 is written, and God is gr8," as they basked in their continued excellence in the NSMQ competition.](https://ghstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PRESEC-Legon-Secures-Historic-Eighth-NSMQ-Trophy-120x86.webp "PRESEC Legon shows supremacy, lifts 8th NSMQ trophy 4")
As the rounds unfolded, the challenges intensified, defying expectations of an easy victory for either school. Opoku Ware School maintained their lead with 23 points after the second round, while Pope John Seminary and Prempeh College trailed with 17 and 16 points, respectively.
Although Prempeh College made a comeback in the third round, claiming four crucial points, Opoku Ware School managed to cling to their lead with a two-point margin.
The fourth round saw both Prempeh College and Pope John Seminary narrowing the gap, accumulating impressive scores of 33 points each. However, Opoku Ware School held on to their slim lead.
In the end, Opoku Ware School emerged victorious, winning by the narrowest of margins. The final scores were Opoku Ware School with 38 points, closely followed by Prempeh College and Pope John Seminary, both achieving commendable scores of 36 points.
This victory is a significant moment for Opoku Ware School, marking their first win over Prempeh College in years. The Santasi boys have now secured a spot in the NSMQ grand finale, where they will compete for the coveted trophy.
Prempeh College, while putting up a fierce fight, will have to sit out the final this time, relinquishing the glory to their rivals.
Pope John Seminary and Minor Seminary also showcased their intellectual prowess but fell short of upstaging Opoku Ware School.
The Santase boys are now set to face Achimota School and another yet-to-be-determined opponent in the grand finale, where they will strive to lift the NSMQ trophy and secure their place in the history of the prestigious competition.
