Maame Esi Kodie, a 25‑year‑old Science Laboratory Technology student at Accra Technical University, was crowned Miss Natural Beauty Ghana 2026 after out‑shining eight other finalists at the pageant’s grand finale held at the ETS Drama Studio, University of Ghana, on Sunday, August 30.
The native of Prampram in the Greater Accra Region secured the crown, while 18‑year‑old Abena Oforiwa of Agbozume Klikor, Volta Region, was named first runner‑up and 18‑year‑old Dede Kabukie from Ningo, Greater Accra Region, took third place.
Miss Natural Beauty Ghana, which launched its maiden edition in August 2023, celebrates African women’s natural beauty, culture, fashion, craftsmanship and locally made beauty and wellness products, and seeks to encourage women to embrace their natural appearance amid unrealistic beauty standards promoted on social media.
Director Grace Ayishetu Hamidu‑Musah said the pageant is a mentorship platform, spending six to eight months with contestants, meeting weekly to inspire and equip them to carry the natural beauty message forward. “It’s really a mentoring process,” she explained.
During the competition, finalists were asked to speak on women’s issues. Maame Esi addressed bleaching and the pressure women face over skin tone, and her performance earned her wins in the Cultural Challenge and Social Media Challenge Cycle 2. Abena Oforiwa won the Public Speaking Challenge, while Awedana Nawuriyare took Social Media Challenge Cycle 4.
For her victory, Maame Esi receives a $1,500 cash prize, a feature as the next face of Miss Natural Beauty Africa Magazine and an ambassadorial role with the brand. First and second runners‑up receive $800 and $400 respectively, plus sponsor products and services.
Maame Esi thanked supporters and voters, saying, “A very big thank you to everyone who voted for me and supported me throughout this journey. Your love and belief in me brought me this far, and I’m truly grateful. I promise to make you proud.”
