International Relations student at Cumbria University, Rumzia Sule, has been crowned Miss Ghana 2026 after beating 12 other contestants to win the national title.

Sule emerged winner at the grand finale of the 69th edition of the pageant, held under the theme, “Empowering Women, Enduring Legacy.”

The University of Ghana graduate, Fatimatu Zara Ishacu, was named first runner-up, while Whitney Opoku Nketia placed second runner-up.

Anita Dankwa and Nedlyn Appiah completed the top five as third and fourth runners-up respectively.

Sule also won the Beauty with a Purpose award, while the other special awards went to contestants across various categories.

Nedlyn Appiah won Miss Fitness, Lucille Akua Oputa-Otutu was named Miss Talent, and Davinia Owusu Kuffuor won Miss Eloquent.

Lawrencia Serwaa Amankwa took home the Most Beautiful Skin award, Fatimatu Zara Ishacu won Miss Congeniality, Anita Appiah was adjudged Most Disciplined, while Whitney Opoku Nketia won Miss Photogenic.

The final selection was held at Oak Plaza Hotel in Accra before a panel of judges, relatives of contestants and other invited guests.

Unlike previous editions, this year’s pageant adopted a scaled-down format, with organisers placing greater emphasis on personal development, leadership and community impact.

According to Exclusive Events Ghana and the Miss Ghana Foundation, the change formed part of preparations towards the 70th anniversary of the Miss Ghana brand next year and the 75th anniversary of the international pageant this year.

“We made a deliberate choice this year. We did not want to be only entertainment focused but more on personal and corporate development skills,” the organisers said.

“This platform has always been, and will always be, about beauty with a purpose, tangible impact and an enduring legacy. This crown is not simply an honour; it is a profound responsibility.”

Despite the intimate setting of the coronation, the 13 finalists underwent a rigorous pageant journey following nationwide auditions on June 27, 2026.

They subsequently participated in weeks of mentorship and training in leadership, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, personal branding, media, fitness, mental well-being, etiquette and personal development.

 The training was facilitated by professionals including representatives of Fidelity Bank, fashion executive Ivana Annan, public relations practitioner Dr Ike Tandoh, dance scholar Dr Terry Bright Kweku Ofosu, health professional Philippa Pepera and Jennifer Agyemang, founder of Amazing U.

The contestants also toured the Despite Automobile Museum in East Legon as part of an initiative designed to expose them to the entrepreneurial journey of businessman Dr Osei Kwame Despite and lessons on resilience.

Through the Miss Ghana Foundation’s Beauty with a Purpose initiative, the contestants also participated in a youth mentorship programme at Martey Tsuru Presbyterian JHS in Accra, where more than 300 pupils received lessons on patriotism, civic responsibility and resilience.

Sule’s victory now places her at the centre of the Miss Ghana brand as it prepares for its 70th anniversary celebrations next year.