Beauty pageant are often clichéd around generic speeches of ‘world people’, however what was refreshing about the Miss Ghana UK 2017 finalists was their enthusiasm to promote peace within ourselves - and local communities.
There was a reoccurring message that ‘charity begins at home’; from the testimonies about ‘learning to love ourselves just as we are’ to promoting mental health awareness and sickle cell awareness and encouraging Ghanaian youth to be empowered within their culture.
Miss Ghana UK 2017 welcomed its Silver Jubilee Edition at Gaumont Palace in Wood Green, London on Saturday 30th September. 16 stunning contestants hailing from various regions of Ghana and the UK showcased the diversity of Ghana’s rich culture prominent in their diaspora setting, through various segments of the pageant on a theatrical stage.
Their personalised speeches was an opportunity to share why they wanted the crown and their mission, the traditional wear segments showcased an array of ‘Ntoma’ courtesy of Vlisco, and the talent segment included insight into a Ga tribe naming ceremony, Dipo - puberty rites by the Krobo people in the Eastern Region and Akan traditional engagement, fused with singing, dancing and acting. These segments reflected on this year’s theme “Our Culture paying homage to Ghana’s 60’s independence anniversary.
Addressing issues around body image, sexual violence, and mental health on the Miss Ghana UK platform showed boundaries and ‘taboos’ being broken, despite such topics being difficult to digest. Throughout the show, the contestants had to maintain their grace and eloquence both for the audience and the judges.
Miss Ghana UK 2017 welcomed its Silver Jubilee Edition at Gaumont Palace in Wood Green, London on Saturday 30th September. 16 stunning contestants hailing from various regions of Ghana and the UK showcased the diversity of Ghana’s rich culture prominent in their diaspora setting, through various segments of the pageant on a theatrical stage.
Their personalised speeches was an opportunity to share why they wanted the crown and their mission, the traditional wear segments showcased an array of ‘Ntoma’ courtesy of Vlisco, and the talent segment included insight into a Ga tribe naming ceremony, Dipo - puberty rites by the Krobo people in the Eastern Region and Akan traditional engagement, fused with singing, dancing and acting. These segments reflected on this year’s theme “Our Culture paying homage to Ghana’s 60’s independence anniversary.
Addressing issues around body image, sexual violence, and mental health on the Miss Ghana UK platform showed boundaries and ‘taboos’ being broken, despite such topics being difficult to digest. Throughout the show, the contestants had to maintain their grace and eloquence both for the audience and the judges.
Contestant #5, top 5 finalists, Natalie Ohema Akosua-Anokyewaa Wireko was a clear crowd pleaser with her charming and relatable speech about defying conventional beauty standards. The curvaceous 22yr old of Ashanti and Brong Ahafo heritage won the audience with her exuberant passion to be a visible role model for young girls to improve on their confidence.
Natalie’s determination is fitting as an ambassador of the Miss Ghana UK Foundation which has a number of ongoing initiatives such as the Big Sister Big Brother Mentoring Program, and Sickle Cell Awareness Campaign.
This year’s hosts were ABN’s Afua Adom, Actress and Model Vanessa Vanderpuye, Ghanaian socialite Confidence Haugen and Andy Adu-Sarfo also known as Simply Andy, a friend to Miss Ghana UK also came to make sure the laughter was maintained throughout the night. Hair was by Hair2thethrone and Eclat Hair Salon and MUA by Make by Renee and MissDesaharay.
The crowd was treated to performances from HE3B and his brother popular artist Eugy, TrayC Selasi and Sam-Mae, Louisa, Yogi Dogi, Sherifa Gunu and The Compozers who had everybody on their feet performing live instrumental versions of highlife classics
After a long but entertaining night contestant number#13 Miss Sabina Lawabea Awuni 23 year old instructor in Training & Development Administrator from Kent who won hearts and the crown. Her elegance, charm and intelligence saw her through to becoming the Silver Jubilee Queen. 1st Runner up was 21 year old Miss Rachel Osei-Tutu a University Student from Buckinghamshire and the 2nd Runner up was Miss Francyn Amuah – Fuster 25 year old Accounts Assistant from Enfield.
Natalie’s determination is fitting as an ambassador of the Miss Ghana UK Foundation which has a number of ongoing initiatives such as the Big Sister Big Brother Mentoring Program, and Sickle Cell Awareness Campaign.
This year’s hosts were ABN’s Afua Adom, Actress and Model Vanessa Vanderpuye, Ghanaian socialite Confidence Haugen and Andy Adu-Sarfo also known as Simply Andy, a friend to Miss Ghana UK also came to make sure the laughter was maintained throughout the night. Hair was by Hair2thethrone and Eclat Hair Salon and MUA by Make by Renee and MissDesaharay.
The crowd was treated to performances from HE3B and his brother popular artist Eugy, TrayC Selasi and Sam-Mae, Louisa, Yogi Dogi, Sherifa Gunu and The Compozers who had everybody on their feet performing live instrumental versions of highlife classics
After a long but entertaining night contestant number#13 Miss Sabina Lawabea Awuni 23 year old instructor in Training & Development Administrator from Kent who won hearts and the crown. Her elegance, charm and intelligence saw her through to becoming the Silver Jubilee Queen. 1st Runner up was 21 year old Miss Rachel Osei-Tutu a University Student from Buckinghamshire and the 2nd Runner up was Miss Francyn Amuah – Fuster 25 year old Accounts Assistant from Enfield.
Miss Active and Best Traditional Wear - Sabina Awuni
Miss Personality was – Karen Obeng-Asamoah
Miss Eloquent was – Rachel Osei-Tutu
It was a pleasure to see past queens from previous years amongst the audience as well as high profile delegates including Miss Ghana UK Foundation Patron HE Mrs Augustina Owusu- Ankomah, Mr Kofi Addo Mnister Councellor, Trade and Investment, Dr and Mrs Akuffo, Ghana Union Chairman Emmanuel Kwesi Quayson to mention a few.
The evening ended with a very relevant personalised ‘Miss Ghana UK’ song from Sharifa Gunu.
The winner of the #MyFutureGH competition a partnership between World Remit and Miss Ghana UK Foundation was announced by Martin Best of digital money transfer service, World Remit. Edna Azumah Aninga from Bolgatanga in Northern Ghana, selected from more than 120 entries from women between the ages of 16 and 26, proposed to use art to address societal issues which won her GHc 20,000 prize fund towards her cause.
Sponsored by World Remit, Blue Rose Real Estate (GH), VLISCO, Ghana Tourism Authority, Konfidence Hair, Sinai Beauty, Ghana Cocoa Marketing Company Limited, Cans Noire, ORS, Elizabeth Arden, Jackie Johnson, Zeeks Concepts, Shea Glo, Laboro, Pam’s Cakes, JD Fitness, Official Media Partner ABN TV and Radio.
Supported by Ahomka Radio, CTLR World, Fab Photography, Afropulp, Osess, Flash Africa, Ghana Fashion Marketing (GH), Prompt Communication (GH), Eventsgh, Cypress Ghana, Savvy Concierge and On Point Property and Gold, Radiant Foundation, Pen2 Paper, Ghana Youth Day, Malika Sang (Promo Video).
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