From Screen to Stage: Theresa Weyerane Adiali’s Unconventional Advocacy Journey from Journalism to Miss Ghana 2025
“If I got a Pesewa for every time someone asked me, ‘Why Miss Ghana?’ or ‘Do you think beauty pageants are for people like you?’ I’d be a billionaire,” Theresa said lightheartedly.
Contesting under the stage name “Kawe” on the Miss Ghana 2025 platform, Theresa Weyerane Adiali—a distinguished journalist and gender advocate—has taken a bold step to redefine beauty pageantry. Representing the Upper East Region, where she hails from, Theresa sees her participation as more than just a quest for the prestigious crown. For her, it is a strategic opportunity to challenge stereotypes and champion socio-economic development in her homeland.
In a recent interview with Miriam Mensah on MX24TV’s AM Club Show, the former MX24 TV staff member shared insights into her unconventional journey from journalism to beauty pageantry. She emphasized that this transition is not a deviation from her mission of driving change through storytelling. Instead, it is a deliberate effort to reshape perceptions of pageantry in Ghana, transforming it into a platform for advocacy and meaningful impact.
“Beauty with purpose,” she asserts, “is about leveraging visibility to drive initiatives that truly matter.”
Redefining Representation
“On this stage, I don’t just represent myself. I represent the resilience and rich cultural diversity of my people. I represent every young girl whose dreams were never realized because she’s constantly told that ‘pageants are for rich kids,’” Theresa said with a smile.
Theresa is passionate about empowering rural women by commercializing traditional crafts, particularly smock and basket weaving—a trade deeply rooted in the Upper East Region. By promoting these artisanal skills on both national and international platforms, she aims to create sustainable economic opportunities that will help curb youth migration to urban areas. Her vision is to spark a ripple effect of empowerment, enabling women in her community to achieve financial independence while preserving their cultural heritage.
“When you are raised in the North, you can survive anywhere,” Theresa remarked, emphasizing the resilience of her people. Growing up in a rural and underserved locality shaped her determination to drive change rather than deter her. Her roots remain firmly planted in the rich cultural tapestry of the Upper East Region, fueling her resolve to overcome obstacles and be a catalyst for progress.
“My people feel strongly about my participation in Miss Ghana because opportunities like this don’t come to us. They celebrate those who break down doors that refuse to open,” she added, highlighting the significance of her advocacy.
A Cultural Ambassador
Describing her region as a land of “whistling rocks and friendly crocodiles,” she draws inspiration from iconic landmarks of the Upper East Region, such as the Tongo Hills, Tengzug Shrines, and the Paga Crocodile Ponds. This deep cultural pride drives her mission to use the Miss Ghana platform to showcase her region’s traditions and advocate for solutions to the economic migration challenges facing women and youth.
Theresa Weyerane Adiali’s journey exemplifies the evolving narrative of beauty pageants in Ghana. Her fusion of media expertise and cultural advocacy signals a new era of contestants who view pageantry as a launchpad for social impact. As she competes for the Miss Ghana 2025 crown, she stands as a beacon of purposeful beauty—ready to inspire and lead with authenticity and vision.
