The National Theatre in Accra erupted in cheers on Saturday night as 20-year-old Akosua Arhin was crowned Miss Malaika Ghana 2025, bringing months of competition to a triumphant close.
The University of Ghana student outshone nine other finalists to take home the coveted crown, a brand-new 2025 model saloon car, a cash prize of over GHS 20,000, a full postgraduate scholarship, and the opportunity to serve as the official ambassador for the Malaika brand.
This year’s final, themed “Defining the Future,” attracted a full house and stood out for the calibre of the contestants, many of whom arrived with strong academic backgrounds, social action projects and clearly defined advocacy goals.
The crowning followed three demanding rounds that tested the finalists’ depth and versatility. The opening cultural presentation saw contestants showcase Ghana’s heritage through traditional attire, dance and storytelling, emphasising the country’s diverse ethnic pride.
This was followed by the intellectual segment, where the top five contestants addressed national issues ranging from governance and security to development policy, impressing the audience with their clarity and analysis. The final three were later questioned on their vision for the Miss Malaika brand and the specific interventions they hoped to champion if crowned.
Akosua remained a standout throughout the night, particularly during the intellectual round where she addressed Ghana’s persistent youth unemployment challenge.
Citing recent Ghana Statistical Service data indicating a national unemployment rate of about 13.4% and urban youth unemployment often exceeding 25%, she argued passionately for skills-based interventions. Her proposed initiative, the “4E Initiative,” aims to create skills training hubs focused on digital and vocational development, targeting at least 500 young women across Greater Accra and Ashanti during her reign.
Her confidence, poise and actionable vision ultimately won over the judges in what many described as one of the most competitive finales the series has seen in recent years.
