Call her a survivor or a goal getter, and you will not be wrong. Isabella Etornam Gagblezu, the Volta Region’s representative in this year’s Ghana’s Most Beautiful Pageant, is a stunning beauty with a heart of grit, gumption, and perseverance.
At 14, she stepped into the gates of Madina Cluster of Schools, defying conventional timelines. While her peers were gearing up for their Basic Examination Certificate Examination (BECE), she was just beginning her educational journey, proving that it’s indeed better to start late than never.
Born in Yeji, Etornam’s early life was marked by adversity. Growing up in a broken home, she faced unimaginable challenges, including abuse, stigmatisation, and the harsh realities of street life, where she had to resort to hawking and working as a “tro-tro mate” to survive.
But fueled by her unyielding resilience and determination to succeed, Etornam worked tirelessly to excel academically, earning a spot at Adidome Senior High School. Her educational journey continued at the Oxford Institute of Business and Journalism in Kumasi, where she further honed her skills.
Women who exemplify resilience, consistency, determination, and a goal-driven mindset, particularly those who break barriers and push boundaries, whether in the public eye or through quiet perseverance, have been of great inspiration for her.
For Etornam, a steaming plate of Banku with Okro Soup, accompanied by soulful gospel music, is the perfect remedy to lift her spirits after a long day while she sings her heart away.
When she thought that life was unfair to her after auditioning for Ghana’s Most Beautiful Pageant a couple of times, she was finally handed the opportunity to represent her region at age thirty.
And what a performance and a reckoning she has been. Etornam’s performance has clearly made a lasting impact, leaving the judges wowed, the audience impressed, and the Volta Region buzzing with excitement.
From Agbadza to Mama Asieku III to Nekatse Edzoleme, she has brought to life the rich, vibrant and historical culture and traditions of her region, winning six awards with twelve nominations, making her the highest awardee for the season.
The GMB journey, she says, has been one of growth, experiences, and lessons. And she is determined to make a positive impact and inspire others with her story.
With or without the crown and bragging rights of being the winner, the Early Child Education Project will see the light of day. This project is to encourage everyone, including the government, to help all children of school-going age have access to quality education, irrespective of their jurisdiction and status.
The Grand Finale is fast approaching, and Etornam says expect something unexpected, but the question is, would God answer her prayers just like her name to drive away the brand-new car, wear the GMB crown, and deposit the cash in her bank account while walking with her shoulders high as the winner of GMB 2025?
Get a ticket for GHC100 and come find out on Sunday, October 19th 2025.
