Three Senior High Schools in the Kumasi Metropolis Namely, Serwaa Nyarko SHS, T.I Ahmadiya SHS (T.I Amass), and Prince of Peace SHS—have secured spots in the national HIV/AIDS Quiz Championship after excelling in a keenly contested regional competition.
The event, which saw the participation of 12 schools, aimed to deepen students’ understanding of HIV/AIDS and equip them to become advocates in their communities.
The competition featured two preliminary contests, culminating in an intense final round. Serwaa Nyarko SHS and T.I Amass tied at the top with 23 points each, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and knowledge. Prince of Peace SHS earned the third spot after edging out Kumasi Wesley Girls SHS in a tiebreaker, following a tie at 21 points.
Other notable performances included St. Hubert Seminary SHS, which placed fourth with 18 points, while Kumasi Secondary Technical School and Kumasi Anglican Secondary School scored 14 and 10 points, respectively, to place fifth and sixth.
The program, which was initiated by the Mayor of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Hon. Samuel Pyne, aimed to promote awareness of HIV/AIDS among the youth. The event provided a platform for students to engage with critical health issues while encouraging them to play an active role in disseminating vital information on HIV/AIDS prevention and care in their communities.
The schools that participated in the contest included:
Yaa Asantewaa Girls SHS
Armed Forces SHS
Islamic SHS
Kumasi Senior High School
Kumasi Girls SHS
JA Kufuor SHS
*Promoting HIV/AIDS Awareness*
Mrs Felicia Owusu Agyemang, the Deputy Coordinating Director and Metro Focal Person on HIV/AIDS, spoke at the event on behalf of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly Hon Samuel pyne emphasized the importance of youth education in the fight against the pandemic. She described the quiz as a tool for empowerment, stating, “By engaging students in such academic exercises, we not only broaden their knowledge but also equip them to educate others about HIV/AIDS prevention and care.”
Similarly, Olivia Graham, Regional Technical Officer for the Ghana AIDS Commission, praised the initiative for encouraging young people to take active roles in combating the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. She expressed optimism about the impact the students will have in their communities, adding, “These future leaders are now equipped to champion the fight against HIV/AIDS locally and globally.”
Preparing for the National Stage
The national quiz competition will bring together champions from all regions of Ghana to compete for the ultimate title. While the date and venue are yet to be announced, the representatives from kumasi metropolis have already shown they are well-prepared to make an impact.
This initiative reflects a broader effort to engage young minds in the global fight against HIV/AIDS and underscores the role of education in achieving significant progress against the pandemic.