On the runway, in royal rites and across borders, the GMB 2026 finalist has earned recognition for her range as she chases Bono’s first crown.
For Nana Konadu, Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB) 2026 has been more than a beauty pageant. It has provided a national platform to celebrate Bono’s rich cultural heritage and bring the stories of remarkable African women to life.
From portraying Nana Akosua Ansuaa I of Dormaa to reenacting the story of Nana Toa Dankoto, the Queen Mother-King of Wenchi, Nana Konadu has consistently used theatrical storytelling to highlight women’s leadership, resilience and cultural identity.
Now among the six finalists in the twentieth-anniversary edition, she enters the October 18 grand finale with three awards: Best Model, Most Eloquent and Star Performer, as she pursues the Bono Region’s first GMB crown.
Bringing Bono’s History to Life
Throughout the competition, Nana Konadu has demonstrated a strong commitment to preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
During Heroes and Heroines of Our Land, she portrayed Nana Akosua Ansuaa I, a historical female leader associated with the development of the Dormaa traditional state. Through dramatic narration, traditional costumes and cultural symbolism, she highlighted the courage and leadership of a woman whose legacy remains part of Bono’s history.
Her performance on Traditional Celebrations Night explored Dɔteyie, the solemn royal funeral rites associated with the death of a traditional ruler.
Playing the Sumankwaahene, she guided audiences through mourning traditions, ceremonial practices and the symbolic journey to Banmu. The presentation, supported by traditional drumming and theatrical movements, earned her the Most Eloquent award.
Another defining performance came during Folklore Night, when she brought to life the story of Nana Toa Dankoto, the revered Queen Mother-King of Wenchi.
The theatrical presentation depicted her capture during an Asante invasion, her captivity in Kumasi and her eventual return to Wenchi.The symbolism of an empty royal stool, dramatic thunder effects and traditional drumming helped communicate the emotional weight of the story.
Its conclusion, in which Nana Toa’s legacy was symbolically passed to a young girl, reinforced the importance of preserving history for future generations.These performances established a recurring theme in Nana Konadu’s journey: celebrating historical women whose leadership and sacrifices helped shape their communities.
Versatility Beyond Cultural Storytelling
Nana Konadu’s achievements extend beyond historical reenactments.During Fashion Night on Osu Oxford Street, she shared the Best Model award with Upper East Region’s Ayinboma, demonstrating confidence and versatility across different fashion presentations.
On One Africa Night, she represented Côte d’Ivoire through a performance exploring the country’s history, culture, cuisine, tourism and economic contributions.
Her presentation incorporated the story of Queen Abla Pokou, alongside references to cocoa production, football, music and traditional dance.
The performance earned her the Star Performer award, further highlighting her ability to interpret cultural narratives beyond her home region.
Her three awards Best Model, Most Eloquent and Star Performer reflect her strengths in communication, fashion and cultural performance, underscoring her versatility throughout the competition.
Beyond the Crown: Rising Phoenix
Beyond the stage, Nana Konadu, a student of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), hopes to use the GMB platform to advance her proposed legacy project, Rising Phoenix.
The initiative seeks to support single mothers, persons with disabilities and autistic children through programmes focused on economic empowerment, skills development and social inclusion.
For single mothers and persons with disabilities, the project aims to provide access to vocational training, entrepreneurship development and self-employment opportunities, helping beneficiaries acquire practical skills, establish businesses and achieve greater financial independence.
For autistic children, the initiative seeks to promote inclusion, access to appropriate educational and developmental support, and opportunities that recognise their individual strengths and abilities.
Through partnerships with vocational training institutions, disability organisations, autism support groups and local businesses, the project aims to address barriers that limit participation and access to opportunities.
Nana Konadu’s proposed initiative reflects her ambition to build a legacy extending beyond the competition, with an emphasis on dignity, independence and inclusion.
Bono’s Hope for a Historic First Crown
As Ghana’s Most Beautiful celebrates its twentieth anniversary, Nana Konadu’s progression to the grand finale represents a significant moment for the Bono Region.
Following the division of the former Brong Ahafo Region into Bono, Bono East and Ahafo, the prospect of securing Bono’s first GMB crown has become a source of excitement among her supporters.
The grand finale, scheduled for October 18, 2026, at the National Theatre in Accra, will bring together six contestants competing for the coveted Legacy Queen title.
For Nana Konadu, the final stage offers an opportunity to bring together the strengths that have defined her journey: cultural knowledge, storytelling, eloquence, creativity and stage presence.
From celebrating the courage of historical queens to promoting a vision of empowerment for vulnerable groups, her participation has connected the preservation of cultural heritage with contemporary social challenges.
By: Kwaku Duah Prempeh