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.

Mr George Bosompim, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, producer and director, has urged Ghanaian filmmakers to explore digital film distribution channels beyond television and cinemas. 

 He noted that television should be the last distribution channel for film producers and creatives, as existing and emerging online channels could help them generate more revenue. 

“Today, there are a lot of digital channels where you can put your work. I’m not even suggesting that people should put their productions on television. It is the last place you should take your film because they are not paying and they are not commissioning people to produce films. 

“If they are not paying you, don’t put it there because you can always put it online and secure a digital distribution contract,” he stated. 

 He believes effective coordination among the state agencies and structures within the country’s creative space could help filmmakers and content producers earn more income. 

“There should be insurance, there should be royalties, and there are a whole lot of things that we have to look at. So, it’s not just about making a film and, when it becomes a hit, making money within that short period and that being the end of it,” he stated. 

Mr Bosompim commended the GH¢20 million fund for the creative arts sector, urging stakeholders responsible for the fund to be transparent and support quality productions capable of competing globally, including at the Oscars. 

 The UniMAC lecturer and member of the Oscars Committee urged local film producers to read the rules and regulations governing international film awards before submitting entries. 

“Some of our people decide to finish the film before reading the regulations, or they do not read the regulations at all. It doesn’t work like that. We have to be intentional about these things in order to progress,” he noted. 

 He advised young filmmakers to learn from experts, collaborate on projects and avoid cutting corners in their quest to succeed.  “Some filmmakers now think they can train themselves, so they do not care about apprenticeship. To build your portfolio, you need to sit at the feet of people who have succeeded before, so you do not repeat their mistakes. 

 “Filmmakers and producers should also embrace collaboration. Somebody should handle pre-production, somebody should take care of the script, production and post-production. You cannot do it all alone,” he said. GNA