Miss Universe Ghana 2013: 2012 Queen yet to receive prizes

Unless the organisers fulfil their prize obligations to the winner  of the 2012 edition of Miss Universe Ghana,  Gifty Ofori, the pretty 24-year-old model and nurse, will not be present to do the traditional handing over ceremonies  to her successor.

Gifty  Ofori’s prize package which was publicised by the organisers, Insignia Experience and RAC Group  prior to the final contest last year comprised an official car and accomodation for her use during her year of reign, participation in the 61st Miss Universe pageant in the US, a three-month internship at the United Nations in New York, and a presentation and modeling portfolio shot by celebrity photographer, Fadil Berisha in New York.

She was also to receive a Samsung Note 3 phone tablet, four pages editorial spread in an international magazine, personal celebrity stylists in New York, Los Angeles and Accra and also management and representation by the Insignia Experience/RAC Group as well as a year of incredible experience of celebrity status and adventure.

As late as one week ago,  Gifty  had only received  the Samsung Galaxy phone and had also represented Ghana at Miss Universe in the US and also benefitted from a photo shoot.  All other prizes had not been provided although she had made several presentations to the organisers. Now the organisers, she said, refuse to even answer her phone calls. 

Meanwhile, the organisers have disclosed that Miss Universe 2011, Leila Lopez will  be a  judge at the Miss Universe Ghana final scheduled for May 25. She will join Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson; presenter Benny Blanco; Brian D. Hogan, founder of investment firm Paradigm Capital Group; and model Veronica Varekova as judges of the pageant.

According to the organisers, 10 Ghanaian beauty hopefuls will vie for the title of Miss Universe Ghana during a star-studded finale which marks the 11th edition of the pageant. The 10 finalists are Akua, Albie, Ama, Emerald, Georgina, Hanniel, Helen, Mya, Olivia and Stacy.

The finale, which will see one of the hopefuls taking over from reigning queen, Gifty Ofori, is expected to showcase the talent, beauty, intelligence and confidence of Ghana’s young women.

Graphic Showbiz