The 2025 Northern Regional qualifiers of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) took an unexpected turn on Day Two, as two schools withdrew from the competition even before the day’s first contest could begin.

The morning contest, officially Contest Four, when combined with Day One fixtures, was scheduled to feature Ghana Senior High School (Ghana SHS), one of the most formidable NSMQ teams in the region.

However, Kumbugu SHS pulled out after the sudden death of one of its contestants just three days ago. According to the NSMQ organisers, the school cited the emotional condition of its team members as the reason for withdrawing from the competition.

In another dramatic development, Pong-Tamale SHS also withdrew from the contest. Although the school gave no official reason, organisers disclosed that officials from Pong-Tamale SHS communicated their decision not to compete, reportedly after learning that Ghana SHS would be in the same contest.

To fill the vacant slots, organisers approached Tamale Girls’ SHS, who had scored 32 points in Contest One on Day One, but they declined to face Ghana SHS. Subsequently, Kalpohin SHS, which scored 30 points in Contest Three, was invited and agreed to participate.

Ghana SHS: The Team to Beat

Ghana SHS, popularly known as GHANASCO, is widely considered one of the Northern Region’s strongest NSMQ contenders. Over the years, the school has consistently represented the region at the national level:

• 2022: Reached the quarterfinals, narrowly losing to Kumasi Academy.
• 2021: Progressed to the one-eighth stage, confirming their regional dominance.
• 2016: Made another quarterfinal appearance, one of their standout performances.

Despite regular appearances at the national championship, Ghana SHS has yet to break into the semifinals or finals but remains a regional powerhouse in the NSMQ circuit.