Entertainment
Beauty pageants aren’t outdated — Inna Patty
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Chief Executive Officer of Exclusive Events Ghana, organisers of Miss Ghana, Inna Patty, has dismissed claims that beauty pageants have outlived their relevance.
She insists pageants such as Miss Ghana have evolved into an empowerment platform that develops female leaders rather than celebrating physical beauty.
Speaking with Daily Graphic, Inna Patty said Miss Ghana, the country’s oldest beauty pageant had deliberately shifted its focus from glamorous prizes to producing socially conscious women capable of leading change in their communities.
The criticism only holds true if a pageant remains strictly superficial. Miss Ghana remains deeply relevant because we long ago pivoted from material-centric prizes to human development and social intervention through the Miss Ghana Foundation and Miss World’s Beauty With a Purpose. We are an empowerment programme disguised as a pageant.”
According to her, at a time when society is demanding stronger female leadership and greater social responsibility, Miss Ghana continues to distinguish itself by placing emphasis on project management, philanthropy, leadership and intellectual development.
She explained that contestants are expected to go beyond the runway by identifying pressing social issues, developing practical solutions and mobilising resources to execute impactful community projects.
“Contestants do not just speak about charity. They are required to identify pressing community needs, draft viable project proposals and actively raise funds to implement them. This transforms them from passive observers into active civic leaders who understand the mechanics of sustainable social impact,” she noted.
Inna Patty added that the pageant has consistently produced positive role models for young Ghanaian girls by highlighting women whose achievements are defined by their intelligence, compassion and service to society.
“We have redefined what a role model looks like for the next generation. By showcasing young women who are brilliant, articulate, educated and deeply compassionate, we teach young girls that their worth is defined by their intellect, character and contribution to society,” she said.
Her comments come as Miss Ghana prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary next year, a milestone she described as a testament to the pageant’s resilience and enduring relevance.
“Reaching seven decades is a monumental milestone that underscores our resilience, institutional strength and enduring relevance. It is a celebration of a legacy that is inextricably linked to the history of Ghana itself,” she stated.
She recalled that the pageant was initiated by Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, adding that historical records indicate Parliament once allocated funds for its organisation, underscoring its importance as a national project.
An International Relations student at Cumbria University, Rumzia Sule, has been officially crowned Miss Ghana 2026, emerging victorious over 12 other contestants to claim the coveted national title.
The grand finale of the 69th edition, held under the theme “Empowering Women, Enduring Legacy,” saw the University of Ghana graduate Fatimatu Zara Ishacu finish as the first runner-up and Whitney Opoku Nketia adjudged the second runner-up.
Other awards, such as Miss Fitness, Miss Talent, Miss Eloquent, Most Beautiful Skin, Miss Congeniality, Most Disciplined, and Miss Photogenic, went to Nedlyn Appiah, Lucille Akua Oputa-Otutu, Davinia Owusu Kuffuor, Lawrencia Serwaa Amankwa, Fatimatu Zara Ishacu, Anita Appiah, and Whitney Opoku Nketia, in that order.
Rumzia also won the Beauty with Purpose award.
Unlike previous editions, this year’s pageant adopted a strategic, scaled-down format. Shifting away from traditional pomp and pageantry, to a more personal and community skills development theme.
The final selection was held at the Oak Plaza Hotel in Accra before an elite panel of judges, relatives of contestants amongst others present to witness the historic occasion.
According to the organisers, Exclusive Events Ghana and the Miss Ghana Foundation, the format change was a deliberate choice, as part of preparations towards the upcoming milestone for the brand both nationally and internationally, that is, next year’s landmark 70th, in Ghana and this year’s 75th anniversaries, internationally.
Despite the cozy setting of the coronation, the finalists underwent the full, rigorous pageant journey following nationwide auditions on June 27, 2026.
The young women participated in intensive, weeks-long mentorship, leadership, and entrepreneurship programme designed to test their resilience, empathy, discipline, and professionalism.
Furthermore, the contestants demonstrated their commitment to national development by rolling up their sleeves for the National Clean-Up Exercise, supporting President John Dramani Mahama’s call to restore cleanliness across Ghana by desilting choked gutters in parts of Accra.
The Foundation emphasised that these outreach programmes were vital evaluation tools used to identify a queen who genuinely embodies compassion and a willingness to serve society beyond the glamour of the stage.
Rumzia’s exceptional public speaking and commanding vision ultimately separated her from the field.
As the new Miss Ghana 2026, Rumzia will now begin preparations to represent the nation on the international stage at the upcoming Miss World pageant in Vietnam.
Born on August 14, 1980 in Cape Coast, where centuries-old castles still whisper of slavery, resistance and survival, musician Lexikon says his life has been shaped by the weight of history and the hope of renewal.
Growing up among the relics of the transatlantic slave trade, the artist developed an early hunger for truth, justice and identity.
That search took him from the halls of Mfantsipim School to the Chartered Institute of Marketing in the UK, where he fused academic training with a growing passion for artistry.
But it is on stage, through reggae and dancehall, that Lexikon’s voice finds its fullest expression.
According to him, “Music is not just entertainment. It is a call to the youth, a challenge to corrupt power, and a hymn of hope.”
Over the years, Lexikon has built a catalogue of 15 albums. Through his Baanfire Revolution, he champions Pan-Africanism, self-reliance and empowerment. With his Christ-For-I Mission, he uses the same platform to redirect hearts to faith and purpose.
Industry watchers describe his work as more than sound, a movement, a sermon, and in his words, “a revolution wrapped in melody.”
Now based in Accra, the father, artist and advocate says he remains committed to speaking for Africa’s young people.
For Lexikon, music is the tool: a reminder that even in struggle, there is room for renewal, and that, as he puts it, “music can be the whip of change.”
As Ghana’s creative scene continues to evolve, Lexikon stands as one of the voices merging culture, spirituality and social commentary rooted in Cape Coast history, but speaking directly to a new generation across the continent.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
