Miss Ghana @ 50 No Regrets

Miss Ghana @ 50, Frances Tekyie Mensah has said she cherishes every bit of her reign as Miss Ghana 2007 because it has been a terrific year for her. She said long before she won the prestigious title, she knew it would be more than just a title for her, giving her the unique position of spending her time in service to others, she said in a chat during the launch of this year’s Miss Ghana held at the plush Airport West Hotel in Accra last Friday. “I would say it’s been a very exciting and worthwhile experience, don’t get me wrong, not that excitement of feeling and looking good all the time, not that excitement of enjoying glamour that comes with the title, but the excitement and satisfaction that comes from healing wounds and renewing hopes of the less fortunate in the Ghanaian society.” Frances is currently working with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) towards educating Ghanaians especially women on Obstetric Fistula, a hole in the birth canal, usually caused by several days of obstructed labour, without timely intervention leading to Caesarean Section. The woman is left with incontinence and in most cases, a stillborn baby. Quite a mouthful there huh? She needs to raise funds to cater for medical operations for about 30 women suffering from this condition. Of course Frances had some ‘thank yous”, “I have had tremendous support from various people and organisations throughout my reign, first my family who give me the emotional support I’m so in need of many times, Miss Ghana Sponsors who make it possible for girls like me to realise our dreams, the organisers Sparrow Productions for their dedication towards a good course, UNFPA for believing in me and entrusting me with such responsibility, the press for microscoping my efforts so that I get the needed help, well wishers and the women who have allowed me to be a part of their lives.” In her welcome address Miss Shirley Frimpong-Manso, Managing Director of Sparrow Productions urged young women to participate in the upcoming event. “In the last five years, over a thousand young women have sort this crown but only four have realised this dream, the fifth is in the making. I urge all young women to dream big and participate in the Miss Ghana pageant because with us the world is literally theirs to take. She admitted that the road has not been a smooth one, “Over the years the road has sometimes been rough, we have been questioned about the time of the year when the pageant is organised, we have also had our day in court. Nobody said it was going to be easy and so we have taken these challenges in good stride and have become better with each passing event.” Inspite of the challenges, Miss Frimpong-Manso did not hesitate to talk of their major successes, “We have successfully crowned two young women who got to the semi-finals in the Miss World Pageant and put Ghana boldly on the world map as Miss World is the second most watched event in the world after the Olympic Games.” She thanked their sponsors over the years especially Somotex Ghana Limited for being supportive of them right from their first year as well as all those who have played one role or another in bringing them this far. The official launch was done by Cecilia Dapaah, Minister of State at the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources. In attendance as the special guest of honour was Akwasi Osei Ameyaw, deputy Minister of Tourism and Diasporan Relations. Also present were a number of showbiz personalities as well as some past queens like Brigitte Dzogbenuku Miss Ghana 1991, Benita Golomeke Miss Ghana 1997 and Selassie Kwawu Miss Ghana 2001. If the glitz and glamour that characterised this year’s launch of Miss Ghana at the poolside of Airport West Hotel is anything to go by, then this year’s event is one that no one will like to miss. Obviously, Sparrow Productions, the event organisers have come a long way and matured in the organisation of the nation’s biggest beauty pageant so they knew what time it was when it came to launching this year’s event last Friday. The decor that had been put in place by Danny’s Decor was splendid enough to put everyone in the right mood. And when it was time to entertain the distinguished personalities who had graced the occasion, Elivava and the Gbedzoloi Cultural Troupe were on hand to deliver. Perhaps the organisers had every reason to make this year’s launch a grand affair because it marked their fifth anniversary of organising the event and the 51st anniversary of the Miss Ghana Pageant. In a chat with Showbiz after the launch, Shirley Frimpong-Manso said her outfit intends to make this year’s event a spectacular one especially with the entertainment package. “Instead of artistes just coming on stage to perform, we are looking at giving Ghanaians some real good entertainment, something that will stay fresh on their minds for a long time to come.” She also said that the finalists will be camped for two weeks prior to the finals at the Airport West Hotel, “we will also be doing a lot of television stuff to give the girls the necessary exposure before the final event. Miss Ghana 2008 will be held on July 5 and is sponsored by Somovision, Maxim Cosmetics, Airport West Hotel, Ghana Television and Simbins Furniture with Benita at Winigol Fashions and Danny Decor as supporting sponsors.