As part of the 60th Independence Day anniversary celebrations, there is the possibility Ghana might play host to the Miss World Beauty pageant this year.
This was disclosed by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Abu Jinapor, at the official launch of Miss Ghana @ 6O pageant held at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in Accra yesterday.
Speaking at the event, Mr Jinapor who also serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Planning Committee of Ghana@ 60 celebrations said the government is loyal in projecting a positive image of the country through the celebrations and the Miss Ghana brand is one of the suitable platforms to use to achieve the purpose.
Since the maiden Miss Ghana pageant in 1957 which was officially launched by the first president of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the beauty pageant has been used to groom and train young ladies who have engaged in various developmental projects which have been beneficial to the country.
“The President has endorsed this venture and is committed to make this dream a reality. After 60 years, we can take the opportunity to sell the Ghanaian brand and I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to private organisations and Corporate Ghana to come on board and help fund the project.
“The Minister of Tourism and the organisers will be in charge of lobbying to make it happen. However, hosting Miss World involves a lot and if that could be attained, it will take the collective interest of all to make it successful. I want to employ all Ghanaians to come on board to make this celebration worthwhile,” he stated.
The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Madam Catherine Afeku reiterated the government’s support for Miss Ghana @ 60 and congratulated the efforts of past beauty queens in using their status to promote the country.
She acknowledged that the role of women in national development could not be underrated and as such, Miss Ghana must be supported to continue its good work of discovering beautiful and ambitious young ladies who play their part in the growth of the country.
Ms Inna Mariam Patty, CEO of Exclusive Events Ghana, organisers of the Miss Ghana pageant expressed her appreciation to the various governments who have significantly played roles in building the Miss Ghana brand.
She said 60 years of hosting the pageant is no mean achievement and could be attributed to the support it has enjoyed from Ghanaians.
According to Ms Patty a former Miss Ghana winner, the core idea, Beauty with a Purpose, has not changed though. “The role of women in society keeps evolving. There is, therefore, the need for a platform to showcase the emerging and challenging roles of women today,” she said.
The Miss Ghana beauty pageant was started by Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in 1957 as an initiative to offer the “Independent” Ghanaian woman a platform to positively impact society.
It is the biggest and oldest national beauty pageant in Ghana. The winner represents the country at the Miss World pageant.
Monica Amekoafia who won in 1957 was the first Miss Ghana. Ghana debuted at the Miss World pageant with Star Nyaniba Anna in 1959.
The official launch attracted past beauty queens who were present to lend their support.
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