Ghanaian gospel musician and ministry leader Madam Emma Aboagye-Poku, known in showbiz as Royal Mama, has won the Gospel Artiste of the Year award in consecutive editions of the Ghana Music Awards (GMA) USA.  

  Royal Mama secured the award at the 2026 Ghana Music Awards USA ceremony held at the Hyatt Regency Princeton in New Jersey, following her victory in the same category in 2025.  

  The latest accolade is her fifth award overall at the event, reinforcing her standing as one of the leading figures in Ghanaian gospel music within the diaspora.   

Organisers recognised the Maryland-based singer for her contribution to gospel music and her influence among Ghanaian communities abroad.  

  Speaking after receiving the award, Royal Mama attributed the achievement to divine grace and thanked supporters who contributed to her success. “First and foremost, I give all the glory to God Almighty for this grace. This back-to-back recognition is not by my own strength, but by His mercies and favour upon my life and ministry,” she said. She also expressed appreciation to the organisers of the awards, her management team, family, church and fans. “I want to sincerely thank the Ghana Music Awards USA for this platform that celebrates Ghanaian music and culture in the diaspora. To my management team, my family, my church, and every single person who took the time to vote and support the ministry, I am truly grateful. Your love keeps me going,” she added. The Ghana Music Awards USA honours Ghanaian musicians and industry stakeholders in the United States, recognising achievements in music and culture. Royal Mama said the award represented more than personal success and described it as a motivation to continue using gospel music to reach wider audiences. “This is for the kingdom of God and for every soul we are reaching through gospel music. My prayer is that this music continues to touch lives, bring healing, and draw people closer to Christ,” she said.

Miss Ghana 2026, Rumzia Sule, has vowed to represent Ghana with excellence as she competes at the 73rd Miss World pageant currently underway in Vietnam.

An International Relations student at Cumbria University who was crowned Miss Ghana 2026 earlier this year, is Ghana’s sole representative at the global competition.

Speaking to The Spectator in an interview before her departure, Rumzia expressed confidence and gratitude for the preparation she has received from the Miss Ghana organization.

“The Miss Ghana team has prepared me very well for the task ahead,” she said. 

She added that “I will do everything in my power to hoist the flag of Ghana high on this international stage.”

Rumzia departed Ghana on Tuesday, August 11, ahead of the official opening of the competition on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

According to Rumzia, her main focus during the pageant will be to promote Ghana’s culture, values, and beauty to the world.

“My priority is to promote Ghana on the big stage,” she stated. I want the world to see the richness of our heritage and the strength of the Ghanaian women,” she said.

The Miss Ghana queen is also appealing to Ghanaians both home and abroad to rally behind her throughout the competition.

She noted that public support, especially during the voting stages, will be crucial in helping her make a significant mark at Miss World.

“I will need the support of all Ghanaians as we go into the voting process. Let’s do this together for Ghana,” Rumzia rallied support.

Ahead of her departure on Tuesday, the Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President, in partnership with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), presented Ghana’s official charity auction gift to her.

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.

The 73rd Miss World festival is bringing together contestants from across the globe to compete not only in beauty, but also in talent, sports, and the pageant’s “Beauty With A Purpose” humanitarian project.

With the eyes of the world on Vietnam, Rumzia Sule carries the hopes of a nation as she aims to make Ghana proud. 

Miss World opening ceremony was held on August 12, at the Ha Long Marina Beach Square in Quang Ninh, with the grand finale scheduled for September 5, 2026.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme