The National Maths and Science Quiz, NSMQ is the longest-running independent production on television in Ghana. The programme is very popular with not only its main target group – Best High School students – but also with parents and, especially, with former students (old boys and girls), who take great pride in the performance of their schools on this programme.
In short, academics determines the best high schools. Based on winnings of the quiz, these are the top 10 senior high schools in Ghana. These schools have emerged winners of the National Science & Maths quiz for the past twenty years.
1. Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School, Legon – 5 times (1995, 2003, 2006, 2008 & 2009)
In September 1968, the new campus at Legon just north-east of the University of Ghana campus at ‘Mile 9, received its first set of students.
Notable alumni are Elorm Adablah (E.L), Hammer of Last Two, Kwaku Sintim-Misa (Comedian), Dr. Kwesi Botchwey (Ghana’s longest-serving Minister of Finance) etc.
2. Prempeh College, Kumasi – 4 times (1994, 1996, 2015 & 2017)
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The school topped matriculation at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in 2012, with 296 students from the college admitted, and is currently the best second cycled institution in Kumasi Metropolis and Ashanti and Ghana.
The school has produced respectable nobles like President J.A. Kuffour, Kwabena Duffour etc.
3. Mfantsipim Senior High School, Cape Coast – 2 times (1999 & 2014)
The first principal was James Picot, who was 18 years old at the time. The school changed its name to Wesleyan Collegiate School in 1896. Notable Mfantsipim alumnus are Kofi Annan, K.A. Busia, De-Graft Johnson etc.
4. Achimota School, Achimota – 2 times (1998 & 2004)
Notable alumni are J.J. Rawlings, Kwame Nkrumah, J.E. Atta Mills, Edward Akuffo-Addo, John Dramani Mahama (current president of Ghana), Robert Mugabe (Zimbabwe President) etc.
5. Opoku Ware Senior High School, Santasi – 2 times (1997 & 2002)
Respected personalities like Prof. Kwamena Ahwoi (GIMPA and former NDC Minister of State), Joe Mensah (Country General manager, IBM Chief in Ghana), Ernest Owusu-Poku fmr Inspector General of Police, Ghana etc.
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6. St. Peters Senior High School, Nkwatia – 2 times (2000 & 2005)
St. Peter’s is a Roman Catholic boy’s senior high school in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The school was established in 1957 by the Divine Word Missionaries (SVD). The school is located in the town of Nkwatia Kwahu. The school has two crocodiles which are considered as important components in the school’s tapestry. The crocodiles are the responsibility of the school’s wildlife club.
7. Pope John Senior High School, Koforidua – 1 time (2001)
8. St. Augustine’s College, Cape Coast – 1 time (2007)
9. Ghana Secondary Technical School, Takoradi – 1 time (2012)
10. St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School, Cantoments – 1 time (2013)
Bonus
Adisadel College, Cape Coast – 1 time (2016)
Notable alumni are Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi-Hughes, Freddie Blay, Sam E Jonah (KBE, Executive Chairman of Jonah Capital), Captain James Hackman Tachie-Menson (First Black African Ship’s Captain) etc.