Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie has lauded Rebecca Asamoah, the Ghanaian beauty queen who was crowned Miss Africa Continent, fortnight ago in South Africa and entreated Ghanaians to celebrate her.

The 24-year-old, Miss Ghana 2015 second runner-up made her country proud after beating 11 finalists drawn from an original list of 40 contestants from across the continent in the inaugural pageant at Johannesburg’s Gold Reef City casino on Saturday, April 30.

She becomes the first woman in history to be crowned Miss Africa Continent ahead of Zambian contestant, Michelo Malambo and South Africa’s Jemimah Kandimiri who placed second and third respectively.

At the Kotoka International Airport on Wednesday morning to welcome Rebecca back home was the deputy minister, who said the dental hygienist represented her country very well while she congratulated her.

She also commended Ghanaians for the support they offered her and urged the media to celebrate her achievement to encourage Delali Kemavor, Miss Ghana 2015 & First runner-up, Afua Asieduwaa Akrofi , who will also be representing Ghana at Miss World and Miss ECOWAS events to do their best.

“Let’s celebrate what we have. It’s a beauty pageant and like I said I have a change of mind now because I see now that it is not only about physical looks but it is also about the intellectual ability to answer questions on the spot. Questions that you don’t have the opportunity see before they are given to you and to be able to answer them convincingly and win, it means that the pageant is really about total package of spirit, body and soul and the mind. So let’s celebrate her in the best way we can so that going forward the other two winners of Miss Ghana 2015 who are gearing up for Miss ECOWAS & Miss World will be inspired and motivated to go do their best. You represented our country very well and I applaud you and celebrate you this morning,” she said.

“I am highly elated to be the recipient of so much honour. Words cannot express my gratitude for all the support that has brought me thus far. Indeed, I have never been more proud to be a Ghanaian than now. Since Ghana is the gateway to Africa. Ghana is Africa and vice versa and is humbled by the privilege of representing both Ghana and Africa,” Rebecca said in her response to also congratulate the minister and Ghanaians for their support.

“My greatest desire is to contribute my quota to the drive to positively position Africa. Today I see myself as a beacon of hope and I offer myself to shine and brighten our darkest path as an ambassador for our endowed continent,” she added.

Inna Patty, CEO of Exclusive Events, organisers of Miss Ghana pageant also commended Rebecca, disclosing her win didn’t come on a silver platter.

“It was by hard work, determination, commitment coupled with the desire and passion for serving others. Our uttermost gratitude goes to God who graciously blesses our efforts. May I use this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Tourism and Foreign Affairs for their enormous and continued support. These two ministries have been highly instrumental to our achievements.”

“Our strategic partners such as Manet Properties, Tobinco Pharmaceuticals, CFAO Ghana, FC Skin & Beauty Klinik, Akosombo Textiles Limited, Mahogany Lodge, Magnum Force Security, Amazing U, Pippas, Unique Floral, FC beauty Klinik, Melanie Crane, Indichi Clothing, Purple Trendz, Accents and Curves and IPMC amongst others also contributed to the successes we have chalked thus far. We say thank you to you all.”