Entertainment
The Journey from 1957: Miss Ghana, a pageant changing society
The first President of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame founded the Miss Ghana Beauty Pageant as an initiative in 1957 to offer the “Independent” Ghanaian woman a platform to positively impact society.
As Ghana marks 64 years since the country liberated itself from colonial rule, The Spectator tracks how the scheme has kept this mission and impacted society.
The current organisers believe that the core idea, Beauty with a Purpose, has not changed though the role of women in society keeps evolving.
Maiden competition
Ms. Monica Amekoafia, Volta Region’s representative who won the very first Miss Ghana competition in 1957, had early on participated in both the District and Regional events which she came tops, prior to the main competition.
After conquering the two competitions in her home Region, she represented her people at the Accra Community Centre where she contended for the Miss Ghana title with other representatives from the Eastern and Western Provinces as well as the Ashanti and Northern Territories.
Social interventions
The organisers, Exclusive Events, in an interview with The Spectator, said “there is an umbrella body, Miss Ghana Foundation, which coordinates various projects the scheme embarks on. Over the years, past Miss Ghana queens have taken up different social projects that help transform and positively impact lives of the most vulnerable or less privileged in society.”
The Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) Ms. Inna Patty, a former Miss Ghana winner, said the scheme focused on, Health, Environment, Education, the Aged and Streetism in various communities to bring smiles on the faces of dejected people.
Provision of potable water: In partnership with National Petroleum Authority the foundation constructed a Mechanized Borehole for the people of Nabuli in Gushegu District of the Northern Region.
Health: As ambassadors of National Blood Bank the foundation helps to encourage Ghanaians to donate blood voluntarily and frequently through various blood drives and sensitisation workshops.
They have been raising funds to sponsor the cost of corrective surgeries of children suffering from Spinal deformities known as Scoliosis at the Foundation of Orthopaedics and Complex Spine (FOCOS) Hospital in Accra.
Miss Ghana winners have been actively involved in various health campaigns including, The Protect the Goal, UNAIDs, Feminine Hygiene clinics in partnership with Tobinco Pharmaceuticals & Embassy of France, and buruli ulcer, infant maternal mortality among others laudable programmes of national concern.
Recently, they embarked on COVID-19 protocol sensitisation and donations of PPE since the disease struck the country last year.
In the area of education, they had embarked on Women in IT programme with IPMC, Mentorships in some Senior High Schools, provision of scholarships and the Don Bosco Project.
Additionally, they had donated food, clothing, organised medical screening and supplied drugs to the aged and orphanages in the country.
Challenges According to the organisers, embarking on some of these projects was capital intensive and not meant for the faint hearted.
They believed some participants did not see the platform as a patriotic or sacrificial one to help impact other lives. Some are mainly interested in the cash, car and crown. This smacks of self-centredness.
Future
“We shall continue to empower our young women, because, an empowered woman is powerful beyond measure and beautiful beyond description, as brilliantly articulated by Steve Maraboli,” Ms. Patty said.
No Pageant
It is on record that Miss Ghana Competition was put on hold in1961-1966, 1969-1985, 1991-1993, 2011, 2014, 2016.
However, the 2013 Winner of Miss Ghana, Guiseppina Nana Akua Baafi is said to have resigned.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
The DebbyQueen Talk Show returns with Powerful New Seasons from today
The highly anticipated DebbyQueen Talkshow is set to premiere Season 5 this month on Lifestyle TV, promising viewers an even deeper dive into the inspiring, emotional, and transformative stories that have made the show a must-watch across Africa.
For global viewers, episodes will be available on the DebbyQueen TV YouTube Premium, Instagram, and Facebook, featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Hosted by the charismatic and insightful Mrs. Deborah Borketey-Tackie (DebbyQueen), the talkshow has built a reputation for its raw, unfiltered conversations with some of Africa’s most influential personalities. From entrepreneurs and activists to artists and change-makers, each episode delivers powerful life lessons, vulnerability, and motivation.
This season’s release marks a bold step forward for the show, featuring enhanced storytelling, new segments, and even more gripping interviews. Mrs. Borketey-Tackie has curated a lineup of guests whose journeys, filled with struggle, resilience, and triumph, will leave audiences inspired and empowered.
From Pascal Amanfo (award-winning film director) to Whitney Boakey-Mensah (women’s health advocate), Mrs. Mary Amoah (an autistic mother’s journey), Atinganma Talata (an Endometriosis survivor), each guest will share untold stories of setbacks and comebacks.
Focus on Youth & Entrepreneurship, with Africa’s next generation in mind, the show will feature young innovators, startup founders, and thought leaders sharing practical advice on business, leadership, and overcoming adversity.
This season’s production is proudly supported by an impressive roster of leading brands, reflecting the show’s growing influence and commercial appeal.
La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel, the venue sponsor, takes center stage as the headline sponsor.
Other major sponsors include HM Life Mixture reinforcing its commitment to health and wellness, Wilmar Africa producers of Frytol cooking oil, JAMAA Detergent, and Fortune Spread showing support towards entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.
Bel-Aqua Mineral Water and Bel Beverages serve as the official hydration partners, ensuring premium refreshments for guests and crew. Ghandour Cosmetics enhances the glamour with professional beauty services.
Additional supporting partners include our fabric sponsors: Mabelina Fabrics, Trinity Kente, Lana Fabrics, Fabric Lot Gh. Ahlai Maadai Enterprise and Hair sponsors: Hair Logistics Gh, Look Afriq, and Hairytales.
The culinary experience is elevated by EzyGrab Gh. and Randa Cakes & More as the official food sponsors for the crew and guests.
Additional support comes from Soul Impact Family Production, the lighting and stage partner, Akenteng Furniture, providing sofas for the set, and Sweet Aroma Print, in charge of all branding and print materials.
Thanks to the backing of these premium sponsors, the show has undergone significant upgrades in production.
The set design at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel exudes sophistication, featuring multi-camera cinematic techniques that rival international talkshows. The inclusion of professional makeup stations by Vendajules Slay World, Glorigels World, KL Makeover and Amy’s Ethicon ensures host and guests look their best.
The DebbyQueen Talkshow has become more than just a TV program, it’s a cultural movement. By blending authentic African storytelling with universal themes of resilience, the show has captured audiences beyond Ghana, including viewers in Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Africa, Canada, and the diaspora.
Media analysts praise its unique approach where vulnerability meets empowerment and its ability to spark meaningful conversations about success, mental health, and personal growth.
“This season is about truth, transformation, and triumph,” says Mrs. Deborah Borketey-Tackie.
“We are not just sharing stories, we are changing mindsets. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a dreamer, or someone looking for hope, these episodes will speak to you,” she concluded
Entertainment
Nana Jesse releases prayer song from Upper Room Experience concert
Kumasi-based gospel singer Nana Jesse, known in showbiz circles as Sylvester Gyasi, has released a prayer song from the Upper Room Experience Concert.
The song, titled ‘let your will be my will’, reflects Nana Jesse’s heartfelt surrender to God, expressing his dependency on divine guidance.
Through soul-stirring lyrics and a harmonious chorus, he and his accompanying musicians declared their submission to God’s will, reaffirming their trust in His direction.
Released on Friday, May 30, the song is already resonating with listeners, gaining more views on YouTube within days of its debut.
Fans have praised its uplifting message and the rich blend of voices that bring the prayer to life.
‘Let your will be my will’ was carefully arranged by Nana Jesse, Nana Kofi Junior, and Moses Boadu, ensuring a powerful and spiritually enriching experience for all.
With its heartfelt lyrics and inspiring melodies, it is set to bless many across different walks of life, offering a reminder of faith, surrender, and divine purpose.
The official song is available now on YouTube.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
