The Minister of Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to sustaining the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), announcing the release of GHC9.5 million to clear outstanding arrears owed to the organisers, Primetime Limited.
The payment covers arrears for 2023 and 2024, as well as funding required for the 2025 edition of the competition, which faced uncertainty following an earlier announcement by the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) to withdraw participation due to financial constraints.
Speaking at the 63rd Annual Conference of CHASS in Sunyani, Mr. Iddrisu assured that the funds had already been released through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), clearing the path for full participation in the 2025 NSMQ.
“I personally edited and supervised the letter to GETFund for the release of the money,” the minister disclosed. “I am certain that the funds have been released, and I expect CHASS to fully take part in this year’s NSMQ.”
He stressed that science and mathematics education remain central to Ghana’s educational transformation agenda, adding that the government is committed to creating opportunities that nurture innovation and academic excellence among students.
“The future of our education—and indeed our nation—rests on strengthening science and mathematics education,” Mr. Iddrisu stated.
In his opening remarks, Rev. Fr. Stephen Owusu Sekyere, President of CHASS, acknowledged government’s sustained support for the Free SHS policy and expressed optimism that continued collaboration would ensure the smooth running of national educational programmes.
The intervention by the Education Ministry effectively resolves the standoff over CHASS’s planned withdrawal, paving the way for another edition of the NSMQ, which continues to be one of Ghana’s most celebrated academic contests.
