The battle for the 2025 Greater Accra Regional Championship of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) lived up to its billing as one of the most intense and exciting contests.

In what was a showdown between five academic giants, Achimota School emerged victorious, reclaiming the championship title they first won in 2019.

This year’s final contest featured a formidable line-up: defending champions Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (Presec), Achimota School, St Thomas Aquinas SHS, Chemu SHS, and Accra Academy. With four previous champions in the mix and only one title to be won, expectations were high and tension in the auditorium was palpable.

Since Achimota’s win in the maiden edition of the regional championship in 2019, Presec has held on tightly to the crown, winning it in 2020 and successfully defending it every year since. This year, however, the question on everyone's mind was whether Presec could defend the title once again or if a new champion would rise.

After several minutes of chants and anticipation from students and supporters, the contest began.

Round one was filled with energy as all five schools traded points from both direct and bonus questions. By the end of the round, Achimota School had taken the lead with 23 points. Chemu SHS followed with 18 points, while Presec, St Thomas Aquinas, and Accra Academy were tied at 14 points each.

The speed race in round two was fast-paced and full of near misses. Achimota opened the round strongly by answering the first question correctly. Chemu missed their chance on the second question, while Aquinas picked up crucial points on the third. Throughout the round, Achimota, Aquinas, and Presec were the most aggressive, ringing in frequently. By the end of the round, Achimota and Presec were neck-and-neck, while Aquinas was just behind with 24 points. Chemu dropped to 14 points, and Accra Academy was in fifth with 13 points.

The true or false in round three turned into a heated exchange between Achimota and Presec. Both schools showed remarkable composure under pressure, while Aquinas, Chemu, and Accra Academy tried to keep pace. Despite their efforts, it was clear that the contest was becoming a two-horse race. At the end of the round, Achimota held a slim lead with 41 points. Presec was close behind with 38 points, followed by Aquinas with 34, Chemu with 24, and Accra Academy with 23.

Then came the final round — the riddles. The auditorium was silent with anticipation. The first riddle stumped four schools, until Aquinas rang in and got it right. Presec answered the second correctly, giving their fans hope. Achimota bounced back with the third riddle and later secured the fourth after Presec’s miss. Although Presec raised a protest on the final question, their objection was upheld without overturning the result.

In the end, it was Achimota School who triumphed with 44 points, marking a remarkable comeback to the top after six years. Presec finished as runners-up with 41 points and the Greater Accra Region now has a new champion.

The victory marks Achimota’s second regional title since the championship’s inception and sets the tone for what promises to be a thrilling national campaign ahead.