Efia Shemona On Identity And The Miss Ghana UK Journey

Big Convo took on a vibrant, thought-provoking tone as Efia Shemona, First Runner-Up to Miss Ghana UK 2025, joined us in the studio. With grace, clarity and cultural pride, she unpacked her journey, the meaning behind the pageant and the deeper conversations around identity, culture and representation.

For many, beauty pageants are often seen as glamorous displays of elegance and poise. But for Efia, the experience runs much deeper.

She described the crowning moment as surreal, almost out-of-body. After weeks of preparation, standing under bright lights, maintaining composure while emotions run high, contestants are required to balance excitement with grace.

“You’ve been smiling for hours,” she shared. “Even when your name isn’t called, you still have to hold that poise.”

It’s a test not just of beauty, but of discipline, emotional intelligence and resilience. Miss Ghana UK, she explained, is more than a competition it’s a cultural bridge.

It connects the Ghanaian diaspora in the United Kingdom with their roots back home, creating opportunities for collaboration, networking and cultural exchange.

“At its core, it’s about connectivity,” she emphasised. “You’re exposed to different opportunities in the UK and you can bring that back to Ghana and vice versa.”

This exchange, she noted, is essential for growth, especially for young people navigating identity across two worlds.

One of Efia’s key focus areas is language preservation, a challenge many diaspora Ghanaians face.

Growing up in the UK, she was surrounded by Ghanaian culture at home; food, traditions and language. But like many, she often responded in English rather than speaking her native tongue.

“When we preserve our language, we preserve our identity,” she said.

Now actively learning Twi with the help of a tutor in Ghana, she’s on a mission to promote language learning, especially among younger generations in the diaspora.

With over 75 languages in Ghana, she stressed the urgency of protecting linguistic heritage before it fades.

A major highlight of the discussion was the debate on cultural appropriation versus appreciation. Efia’s stance was clear: respect is key.

“I have no problem with people embracing the culture,” she explained. “But understand it first. Ask questions. Know what you’re wearing, what it represents.”

She emphasised that cultural elements like kente carry meaning and misusing them without understanding can be offensive.

Efia Shemona represents a new generation. One that is globally aware yet deeply rooted in identity.

Her journey reflects the complexities of being Ghanaian in a globalised world: navigating dual cultures, reclaiming identity and advocating for preservation while embracing evolution.

In her words and presence, one thing was clear, this is more than a title. It’s a responsibility. And she’s ready for it.