Etornam wins Ghana’s Most Beautiful 2025, makes history for Volta Region

The night of October 19, 2025, will go down as one of the most memorable moments in the history of Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB). Isabella Etornam Gagblezu, the radiant and eloquent representative of the Volta Region, was crowned the winner of the 2025 edition, making her the third woman from the region to achieve the prestigious feat.

The grand finale, held at TV3’s Studio B in Accra, was a colourful blend of glitz, culture, and emotional performances that showcased the power of womanhood, intellect, and tradition. Etornam’s exceptional display of composure, intelligence, and cultural representation throughout the competition set her apart from her fellow finalists: Asakia (Upper East Region), Sika (Ashanti Region), Nana (Central Region), and Adjorkor (Greater Accra Region).

From her entrance on the stage to her final address, Etornam’s confidence resonated deeply with both the judges and the audience. Her articulate responses during the Q&A session earned her applause across social media, with many describing her delivery as “authentic, thoughtful, and inspiring.” She tackled her final question with a mix of logic and compassion, discussing how cultural diversity can be leveraged to promote national unity; a theme that connected deeply with Ghana’s growing emphasis on inclusivity and identity.

Born in Yeji, Etornam’s journey to the GMB crown has been anything but ordinary. A 30-year-old advocate for social development and women empowerment, she has spent years volunteering with youth organisations in her community. Her passion for community transformation and her belief in the power of culture as a driver of social change became central to her GMB journey. During the competition, she often blended elements of storytelling, advocacy, and tradition, reflecting the pride and resilience of her Volta heritage.

Throughout the 13-week competition, Etornam consistently impressed the judges and fans alike. Her performances often went beyond entertainment; they carried powerful messages on the role of women in leadership, the importance of preserving indigenous languages, and the need for moral revival among Ghanaian youth. Her poise, confidence, and deep understanding of her roots made her a standout contestant from the beginning.

Her victory was not only a personal milestone but also a regional triumph. The Volta Region has a long-standing reputation for producing strong and articulate women in the GMB series. Etornam’s win joins the legacy of other past winners from the region, cementing Volta’s status as one of the most successful regions in the history of the pageant. Following the announcement, the atmosphere inside the studio erupted with jubilation as her supporters, draped in traditional kente and waving regional flags, sang and danced in celebration.

On social media, #EtornamGMB2025 and #VoltaToTheWorld quickly trended on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands of congratulatory posts from fans, celebrities, and public figures. One user wrote, “Etornam didn’t just win a crown; she won hearts with intelligence and authenticity.” Another commented, “Volta Region has done it again, grace, class, and culture personified.”

After being crowned, Etornam, visibly emotional, expressed gratitude to God, her family, and her supporters. “This victory is for every young woman who believes that her dreams are valid, no matter where she comes from. It’s for the Volta Region and for every girl who has been told she’s not enough. We are more than enough,” she said during her acceptance speech, drawing loud cheers from the audience.

As part of her prize package, Etornam took home a brand-new car, a cash prize, and other sponsorship deals. But beyond the material rewards, the crown represents a platform of influence, one she plans to use to advocate for youth empowerment, women’s education, and cultural tourism. She revealed plans to collaborate with local institutions and NGOs to promote initiatives focused on mentoring young girls and improving literacy in rural communities.

Organisers of Ghana’s Most Beautiful, TV3, praised Etornam for her humility, discipline, and leadership qualities throughout the competition. They highlighted how the pageant continues to evolve from being a beauty contest into a platform for women who embody intellect, courage, and national pride. The event’s judges, including notable personalities from the arts, academia, and media, also commended the contestants for raising the bar in cultural representation and advocacy.

The 2025 edition of GMB carried the theme “Beauty in Purpose”, focusing on how Ghanaian women can harness their talents to impact society. Contestants were evaluated not only on beauty and performance but also on their projects, communication skills, and ability to use culture as a tool for change. Etornam’s consistency in delivering compelling stage presentations and her project on empowering rural women entrepreneurs through cultural trade fairs significantly contributed to her victory.

In the days leading up to the finale, Etornam had become a fan favourite, with polls predicting her victory. Her calm confidence and intellectual depth reminded many of past winners who went on to become influential figures in Ghana’s entertainment and social development space.

Her win also reignited discussions about the importance of representing Ghana’s cultural diversity on a national platform. Cultural experts have noted that GMB has become a powerful tool in promoting traditional values and identity among young people. Through its platform, contestants showcase dances, dialects, cuisines, and customs that might otherwise fade in modern society.

For the Volta Region, Etornam’s triumph symbolizes more than a crown; it’s a reaffirmation of cultural pride and regional excellence. Traditional leaders from the region have already sent congratulatory messages, pledging their support for her community projects.

As the curtains close on GMB 2025, Isabella Etornam Gagblezu stands as a symbol of the modern Ghanaian woman, bold, intelligent, grounded in her culture, and ready to lead with purpose. Her story serves as an inspiration to young women across the nation, reminding them that true beauty lies not just in appearance, but in impact.

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