Ghana has a new queen. On Sunday, October 18, Nana Konadu, the representative of the Bono Region, was crowned winner of Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB) 2026 at the National Theatre in Accra, bringing the pageant’s 20th-anniversary edition to a close with a historic victory.

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The 20-year-old from Dormaa Ahenkro beat five other finalists to claim the title, ending Bono’s two-decade wait for a winner. Her victory also marked a milestone for the region, which had never produced a GMB queen since the competition began in 2007.

A Level 400 Communication and Media Studies student at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Konadu built her campaign around the history, traditions and identity of her home region. Throughout the competition, she used storytelling and cultural presentations to connect Ghana’s heritage with its contemporary identity, exploring everything from local food and cocoa production to historical figures and tourism.

One of her standout performances came during the competition’s One Africa Night, when she represented Côte d’Ivoire, highlighting the countries’ shared Akan roots through the story of Queen Abla Pokou, alongside the country’s football culture and Coupé-Décalé dance. She also earned recognition as Best Model of the Night during Fashion Night and later won the Star Performer award in Week 10.

At the grand finale, Konadu returned to the stage to celebrate Bono’s history, language and achievements, challenging the ridicule sometimes directed at the region’s accent. Her message was a reminder that cultural identity should be a source of pride, not something people are made to feel they must defend.

Konadu’s win comes with a brand-new MG ZS Deluxe Edition vehicle, sponsored by Mac Ghana, and GH¢200,000 in prize money. Sessinam, representing the Volta Region, finished as first runner-up, while Ampomaa of the Ashanti Region took third place.