NEWLY crowned Miss Ghana 2026, Rumzia Sule, has criticised the stereotypes and unequal opportunities that continue to limit the potential of Ghanaian women, saying it’s time society stopped telling young women what they can’t do.
The International Relations student at Cumbria University in the UK made the comment after winning the 69th edition of the Miss Ghana pageant, beating 12 other finalists to claim the crown.
She thinks one of the biggest problems Ghanaian women face is how normal it’s become to place limits on what they can achieve.
“Too many young women are told what they cannot do instead of being encouraged to pursue what they can achieve. We need to continue creating environments where women are empowered to lead, innovate and succeed,” she told Graphic Showbiz in an interview on Monday, July 20.
Now that her reign has begun, Rumzia wants to use her platform to open up opportunities for young people, especially young women.
Asked what she’d push for if she had Ghana’s decision-makers at the table, she pointed to education, mentorship and economic opportunity for young women as priorities that could no longer wait.
“When girls are educated, supported and financially empowered, they are better equipped to build successful lives and contribute meaningfully to national development. That is why I don’t want my reign to be about my beauty but the impact I can make, especially among young women,” she said.
She’s clearly thought about the pressure that comes with the crown, and knows the scrutiny is only going to get more intense from here. But she’s less worried about making mistakes than she is about the possibility of not actually doing anything meaningful with the platform.
“I know I won’t be perfect, but I am committed to learning, listening, and always acting with integrity,” she said.
She knows people will judge her by her words, how she looks, who she’s seen with, how she carries herself. Her plan is to stay true to herself, treat people well, and keep her eyes on why she’s doing this in the first place. (Read Forever in the Spotlight)
As for how she wants people to remember her reign, Rumzia hopes it won’t be about the crown at all.
“If a year from now people say, ‘Rumzia was beautiful, but what did she actually do?’ I hope the answer will be that she created opportunities for young people, inspired them to believe in themselves, and used her platform to make a lasting difference through Project Inspire Ghana under the Miss Ghana Foundation,” she said.
Rumzia was crowned at an event held at Oak Plaza on Sunday, July 19, on the theme, “Empowering Women, Enduring Legacy.”
University of Ghana graduate Fatimatu Zara Ishacu was named first runner-up, while Whitney Opoku Nketia placed third.
Although the coronation was held in an intimate setting, all 13 finalists underwent weeks of intensive preparation after nationwide auditions on June 27, 2026.
Their training included leadership, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, personal branding, media, fitness, mental well-being, etiquette and personal development, highlighting the pageant’s focus on preparing contestants for leadership and public service beyond the crown.
