Piini of the North East Region and Nana Ama of the Ahafo Region have been evicted from the 2026 Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB) competition after recording the lowest combined scores from the judges and viewers.
The pair became the first contestants to leave the competition following the fourth episode, which placed Ghana’s iconic celebrations, sacred rites, festivals, durbars and traditional ceremonies at the centre of the contest.
All 16 contestants were challenged to examine the meaning, history and significance of the cultural practices they presented. Their performances were judged by Mr. Kwaku Darko Ankrah, Dr. Sarah Dorgbardzi and Nana Adwoa Awindor, who assessed how effectively each contestant explained the origins, purpose and legacy of the celebration or tradition featured.
The episode offered a broad representation of Ghanaian heritage, ranging from royal transitions and funeral rites to harvest festivals, sacred ceremonies and community celebrations.
Contestants bring Ghanaian traditions to life
Ampomaa, representing the Ashanti Region and hailing from Tepa, presented the Apaso Sacred Rite. She described it as a tradition that honours the gods and ancestors while helping to preserve Asante heritage. The rite is observed on the last Friday of every three months and is intended to bring the living into contact with their ancestors, strengthening that relationship.
Anile of the Bono East Region focused on the Kajuji Festival of Yeji. Her performance included sacred rites, ancestral customs and river rituals that lead to the Grand Development Durbar. She used the presentation to celebrate Yeji’s history, unity and identity, while also looking ahead to the community’s future.
Basi of the Northern Region told the story of Gbangzilibu through colourful costumes, clan rivalries and dramatic storytelling. The presentation concluded with the sacred enskinning of the regent and a celebration of Naa Gbewaa Zuliya.
Kiba represented the Savannah Region with the Sonyo Deng Festival, a celebration shaped by prayer, divine intervention and ancestral traditions. Music, dance, sacred rites and the Woori rabbit hunt were used to explore the festival’s links to culture, identity and homecoming.
Tiwaa of the Western North Region examined the funeral and burial rites of an Omanhene. Her presentation covered concealed mourning, the Atram rites and the final rituals performed in Akura’s sacred forest, highlighting tradition, community and succession.
Arhinmaa of the Western Region portrayed the selection and enstoolment of a Wassa Queenmother in Amoana. Through libation, sacred rituals, drumming and dance, she explored the significance of a daughter becoming a mother and taking on the responsibility of protecting tradition.
Lamiley, representing the Greater Accra Region, presented the region’s distinctive funeral customs. Her performance included storytelling, music and fantasy coffins, with themes of identity, memory, life and legacy.
An-Suaf of the Upper West Region told the story of the Wechiau people and the sacred Kaka. Music, dance and ritual were used to honour the Kaka and celebrate the history and heritage of the community.
Sessinam of the Volta Region paid tribute to the late Queen Bubune through the solemn traditions of an Ewe funeral. Her presentation focused on the late queen’s life, legacy and the memories she left behind.
Boatemaa of the Oti Region explored the Ndipoandan Festival of the Konkomba people. The celebration of harvest, gratitude and community was presented through music, dance, reconciliation and prayer, with an emphasis on peace, prosperity and the hope of a fruitful season.
Besiwaa of the Central Region staged Oguaa’s Akoms Night, showing the sacred purification and ancestral rites that lead to the Fetu Afahye. Drumming, dance, fire and the Asafo flag helped illustrate the history and identity associated with the celebration.
Nana Konadu of the Bono Region presented Dɔteyie, the Bono royal transition. Sacred rites, traditional drums, a procession and mourning regalia were used to show how grief can become a celebration of a King’s life and lasting legacy.
Ayinboma of the Upper East Region highlighted the story of the Denyanga and the courage of women who defended their communities during slave raids. She ended her presentation with a victory dance honouring their strength and enduring legacy.
Ohenewaa of the Eastern Region told the story of the Mawerɛhene, portraying a King who reached out to communities displaced by the construction of the Akosombo Dam. Sacred rites, a royal procession and drumming formed part of a presentation centred on leadership, service and the lasting bond between a ruler and his people.
The fourth episode demonstrated how Ghana’s traditional practices continue to connect communities to their history, identity and ancestors.
Following the departure of Piini and Nana Ama, 14 contestants remain in the GMB 2026 competition and will continue competing for the crown in the coming episodes.
