Chief Executive Officer of Exclusive Events Ghana, organisers of Miss Ghana, Inna Patty, has dismissed claims that beauty pageants have outlived their relevance.
She insists pageants such as Miss Ghana have evolved into an empowerment platform that develops female leaders rather than celebrating physical beauty.
Speaking with Daily Graphic, Inna Patty said Miss Ghana, the country's oldest beauty pageant had deliberately shifted its focus from glamorous prizes to producing socially conscious women capable of leading change in their communities.
"The criticism only holds true if a pageant remains strictly superficial. Miss Ghana remains deeply relevant because we long ago pivoted from material-centric prizes to human development and social intervention through the Miss Ghana Foundation and Miss World's Beauty With a Purpose. We are an empowerment programme disguised as a pageant."
According to her, at a time when society is demanding stronger female leadership and greater social responsibility, Miss Ghana continues to distinguish itself by placing emphasis on project management, philanthropy, leadership and intellectual development.
She explained that contestants are expected to go beyond the runway by identifying pressing social issues, developing practical solutions and mobilising resources to execute impactful community projects.
"Contestants do not just speak about charity. They are required to identify pressing community needs, draft viable project proposals and actively raise funds to implement them. This transforms them from passive observers into active civic leaders who understand the mechanics of sustainable social impact," she noted.
Inna Patty added that the pageant has consistently produced positive role models for young Ghanaian girls by highlighting women whose achievements are defined by their intelligence, compassion and service to society.
"We have redefined what a role model looks like for the next generation. By showcasing young women who are brilliant, articulate, educated and deeply compassionate, we teach young girls that their worth is defined by their intellect, character and contribution to society," she said.
Her comments come as Miss Ghana prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary next year, a milestone she described as a testament to the pageant's resilience and enduring relevance.
"Reaching seven decades is a monumental milestone that underscores our resilience, institutional strength and enduring relevance. It is a celebration of a legacy that is inextricably linked to the history of Ghana itself," she stated.
She recalled that the pageant was initiated by Ghana's first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, adding that historical records indicate Parliament once allocated funds for its organisation, underscoring its importance as a national project.
"I believe Dr Nkrumah would be immensely proud of the rigorous work we have done to sustain his vision. This milestone represents a solemn mandate to honour our rich heritage while aggressively innovating for the future," she added.
The search for Ghana's next beauty queen officially begins today, June 27, at the Oak Plaza Hotel, East Airport on the Spintex Road, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Held under the theme "Empowering Women, Enduring Legacy," the 69th edition celebrates the pageant's journey of promoting female empowerment, cultural pride and purpose-driven leadership.
Interested applicants, aged between 18 and 26, will be assessed on their communication skills, confidence, creativity and personality. They will also showcase their talents through singing, dancing, spoken word, rap and other creative performances, while engaging judges on issues of national development.
The eventual winner will represent Ghana at the Miss World pageant and spearhead social intervention projects through the Miss Ghana Foundation.
