Beyond the runway …Anita Ofori inspiring youth with her modeling journey

For many young people in Ghana, chasing their dreams can feel overwhelming, especially when challenges pile up. But supermodel, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Anita Ofori has a message of hope: “Be seri­ous about your life, stay focused, and trust the process. Nothing good comes easy, but with God and determination, you can achieve greatness.”

Anita Ofori is not only one of Gha­na’s most celebrated models with awards spanning fashion, entrepre­neurship, and advocacy, but also a woman who has turned her personal struggles into lessons for others.

She is passionate about mentoring the youth, encouraging them to avoid shortcuts, and teaching them to see every challenge as an opportunity to grow.

Building strength through struggles

Anita’s own story is one of per­sistence. After completing her first degree at the University of Ghana, she decided to start an event and model management company.

At the time, she was at the height of her modeling career, representing Ghana at international competitions like Miss Model of the World in China and Miss Supermodel Worldwide in India.

But success came at a cost. Managing school, business, and modeling all at once was exhaust­ing. Financial challenges nearly forced her to defer her studies during her final year at university. Still, Anita refused to quit.

She relied on savings, picked up ex­tra skills such as wig-making and hair­dressing to earn money, and pressed forward. “I never underestimated any job or skill. Every step was preparing me for the next stage of life,” she recalls.

Her determination paid off. Not only did she graduate, but she also went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Devel­opment Communication, solidifying her passion for blending creativity with advocacy.

Giving back through mentorship

Today, Anita has expanded her ca­reer far beyond the runway. She runs an international fashion brand, an event and model management compa­ny, and a non-profit organisation dedi­cated to supporting children and wom­en in need. Through these platforms, she organises mentorship programmes, fashion events, and training sessions that help young people discover their potential.

Her NGO, in particular, offers self-esteem classes and skills train­ing to equip the youth with practical knowledge. For Anita, this is about more than teaching. It is about shap­ing mindsets.

“Young people must learn to focus, work hard, and avoid dubious shortcuts. Whatever comes quickly goes quickly,” she cautions.

Her work in youth development earned her the Outstanding Commit­ment to Youth Mentor­ship Award (2024) from Ms Virtuous Ghana

A trail of awards and recognition

Over the years, Anita Ofori’s excellence has been widely recognised. Her honours include Editorial and Com­mercial Model of the Year (2020) – Ghana Models Awards, Over­all Model of the Year (2021) – Ghana Models Awards, Top Model of the Year (2021) – BPL Fashion, Model/Entre­preneur of the Year (2022) – Global Women Leadership Award, Out­standing Model Award (2023) – Ghana Modeling and Fashion Award, Top 50 Ghanaian Fashion Icons (2024), Mod­el/Entrepreneur/Advocate of the Year (2025) – Global Women Leadership Award

Yet, despite these accolades, Anita insists she is not done. “I cannot say I am where I want to be in life. I see myself breaking barriers and being counted among young entrepreneurs and mentors around the world. With God’s help, I will soar higher, and I want the youth to do the same.”

Advice for the next generation

Anita’s guidance to the youth is rooted in both faith and discipline. She encourages them to put God first in all things, set clear principles and stick to them, stay humble, honest, and bold, save money mighty, respect others and maintain a strong sense of identity and purpose.

She also calls on parents to be vig­ilant in raising children and instilling values early.

To leaders, she appeals for systems that protect the nation’s youth from illegal activities and create account­ability for a better future.

Inspiring a generation

What sets Anita apart is not only her success, but her willingness to share the realities behind it, the sacrifices, the moments of doubt, and the faith that kept her going.

For the young people who listen to her story, she represents proof that determination, humility, and God’s guidance can turn obstacles into step­ping stones.

“Life is full of ups and downs,” she says. “But every stage is just pre­paring us for the next. The choices you make today will determine your success tomorrow.”

For Ghana’s youth, Anita Ofori is more than a supermodel. She is a mentor, a guide, and a living reminder that no dream is too far out of reach when pursued with integrity and per­severance.

• By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu