The Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President, in partnership with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), has presented Ghana’s official charity auction gift to Miss Ghana 2026, Rumzia Sule, as she prepares to represent the nation at the 75th Miss World Festival in Vietnam later this month.

The presentation took place during a brief ceremony at the Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President and formed part of Ghana’s official send-off for the reigning queen ahead of her departure.

The symbolic gift, inspired by Ghana’s iconic Independence Arch, has been designated for the Miss World Charity Auction; one of the festival’s longest-standing traditions.

During the event, each participating country presents a distinctive item representing its culture, heritage and national identity, with all proceeds supporting the global charitable initiatives of the Miss World Organisation.

Presenting the gift, the Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), congratulated Rumzia Sule and the Miss Ghana runners-up on their achievements and encouraged the reigning queen to proudly represent Ghana on the international stage.

“You are carrying the hopes and pride of an entire nation. Just as our national teams have represented Ghana on the world stage, go out there with confidence and let the world experience the very best of Ghana. Make us proud.”

He further reaffirmed the commitment of the Diaspora Affairs Office to partnering with the Miss Ghana brand in strengthening engagement with Ghanaians living abroad and promoting Ghana’s positive image globally.

Also addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Gilbert Aggrey, popularly known as Abeiku Santana, described the gift as a powerful symbol of Ghana’s history and identity.

He explained that the Independence Arch represents Ghana’s historic position as the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to attain independence and serves as an enduring symbol of freedom, resilience and African leadership.

“Ghana is the Gateway to Africa. We are presenting a symbolic heritage gift that tells our story to the world. Go and shine with the pride of Africa, the Black Star of the world, and let everyone know where you come from.”

He assured the delegation of the Ghana Tourism Authority’s continued support in promoting Ghana through the Miss World platform.

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Film Authority, James Gardiner, also encouraged the queen to remain confident throughout the competition.

“Believe in what you carry. You represent not only Ghana but the pride of Africa. Never allow yourself to be intimidated; your authenticity, confidence and purpose are your greatest strengths.”

Receiving the gift on behalf of Ghana, Miss Ghana 2026, Rumzia Sule, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Ghana and its partners for the honour and support.

“I am deeply humbled by this gesture and grateful for the confidence that has been placed in me. I will carry Ghana with pride, honour our culture and traditions, and do my utmost to make every Ghanaian proud on the Miss World stage.”

The Managing Director Exclusive Events Ghana and the Chair of the Miss Ghana Foundation, Inna Patty, Esq., expressed profound appreciation to the Office of the President, the Ghana Tourism Authority and all partners for their unwavering support.

She noted that Ghana’s participation at the 75th Miss World Festival extends beyond beauty, serving as a platform to showcase the country’s culture, tourism, creativity and national heritage while advancing charitable causes around the world.

“We are sincerely grateful to the Diaspora Affairs Office and the Ghana Tourism Authority for this meaningful gesture and for presenting Ghana’s official gift for the Miss World Charity Auction.” she said.

According to her, ” This gift will not only showcase the richness of our cultural heritage before a global audience, but will also contribute to raising funds for the Miss World Organisation’s humanitarian projects across the world. It beautifully reflects Ghana’s generosity, compassion and commitment to using culture as a force for global good.”

“We deeply appreciate the Government of Ghana and all our partners for believing in the Miss Ghana vision. Every investment in our queens is an investment in youth empowerment, tourism promotion, cultural diplomacy and national development. Together, we are telling Ghana’s story on one of the world’s biggest stages while empowering young women to become ambassadors for positive change,” she concluded.

Rumzia Sule will depart for Vietnam in the coming days to join contestants from more than 100 countries and territories at the historic 75th Miss World Festival, where she will represent Ghana in one of the world’s most prestigious international beauty and humanitarian events.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

The Dagbon Kingdom on Friday witnessed another defining moment in its centuries-old history as Kampakuya Naa Yakubu was formally enskinned as Regent following the passing of the Overlord of Dagbon, Ndan Ya-Na Abukari II.

The traditional ceremony, steeped in the customs and heritage of the Dagomba people, took place at the historic Gbewaa Palace in Yendi in an atmosphere of grief, reverence and hope.

In attendance was President John Dramani Mahama, who in his tribute described the late Overlord as a distinguished traditional ruler whose leadership strengthened peace, unity and development in Dagbon.

Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia also conveyed his condolences to the people of Dagbon.

Also in attendance were chiefs, queen mothers, elders, royal family members, religious leaders and thousands of mourners gathered to witness the installation.

The enskinment of the Kampakuya Naa as Regent is one of the most significant stages in the transition of leadership in the Dagbon Kingdom. It ensures continuity of authority and the preservation of the kingdom’s customs until a substantive Ya-Na is selected by the kingmakers in accordance with Dagbon tradition.

Friday’s ceremony reflected the resilience of one of Ghana’s oldest traditional kingdoms, where centuries-old customs continue to guide leadership transitions with dignity and order.

The late Ya-Na, Ndan Abukari II, who ascended the skin in 2019, is widely remembered for consolidating peace, unity and reconciliation in Dagbon following years of chieftaincy disputes.

Throughout Yendi, the mood remained solemn as residents lined the streets while traditional drumming, chanting and customary rites echoed through the ancient capital. Men, women and children, mostly dressed in black, paid their respects to a monarch whose reign restored confidence in the kingdom’s future.

The installation of Kampakuya Naa Yakubu as Regent now places upon him the sacred responsibility of overseeing the affairs of Dagbon during the mourning period while ensuring that the customs and traditions of the kingdom are faithfully upheld ahead of the enskinment.

After a successful enskinment, attention now turns to the traditional processes that will eventually culminate in the selection and enskinment of a new Overlord. Until then, the Regent will serve as the custodian of the Dagbon Kingdom, ensuring that the customs, authority and dignity of one of Africa’s oldest traditional kingdoms remain intact.

From Geoffrey Buta, Yendi