Opoku Ware School (OWASS), a two-time champion, was eliminated from the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) 2026 at the One-Eighth Stage. This unexpected early exit ended a four-year streak of reaching at least the quarter-finals.
The school's campaign concluded after a disappointing contest against Bishop Herman College and Asanteman SHS. OWASS scored 31 points, while Bishop Herman College and Asanteman SHS tied with 43 points. Bishop Herman College then won the tie-breaker to advance, leaving OWASS out of the quarter-finals.
This outcome represents a significant setback for OWASS, a school with a strong NSMQ history. They reached the Grand Finale in 2023, finishing third, and again in 2025. Their consistent performance since 2022 had built high expectations for the 2026 competition. The early elimination contrasts sharply with their recent track record of success.
A source with close knowledge of the school’s Science and Maths team attributed the early exit to late preparation. The source stated that concerns about the strength of the 2026 contestants existed before the competition began. They noted that serious training for the 2026 team did not commence until late 2025, unlike previous years where preparation started almost immediately after Junior High School.
The implications of this early exit are significant for OWASS and its NSMQ program. It highlights the critical role of sustained, early preparation in competitive academic contests. Future teams will likely face increased scrutiny regarding their training timelines and readiness. This result could prompt a re-evaluation of the school's approach to NSMQ preparation to avoid similar disappointments.
The school had consistently reached the quarter-finals from 2022 to 2025. In 2023, OWASS advanced to the Grand Finale, securing a third-place finish. They returned to the Grand Finale in 2025, demonstrating strong competitive form. The 2026 performance marks a notable deviation from this recent pattern of success. The source emphasized that the issue was not the students' ability but the delayed start to their training. This delay meant the contestants lacked sufficient time to develop the experience and refinement needed for high-level competition. NSMQ success requires quick answering, stage pressure management, and seamless teamwork, all developed through extensive practice. The absence of the zonal championship this year was also considered, but the source believed it was not the decisive factor. The overall length and intensity of preparation remained the primary concern. OWASS last won the NSMQ title in 2002, and this early exit prolongs their search for another championship.