Serena Ashi-Roye: Miss Ghana 2003 @ Miss World in China on Dec. 4

Age:23

Occupation: Student

Height: 175

Serena?s hometown is La which is a suburb of Accra, the capital city of Ghana. It is situated on the coast and La is proud of its popular Labadi Beach, a vibrant attraction for both the locals and tourists. Serena is an undergraduate student, studying for a Batchelor of Arts degree in Marketing and Advertising. Her hobbies include, acting, Contemporary, Africa and Street Dance, fitness, art & design, football, volleyball, netball badminton, skiing, and keeping fit. Her favourite art forms are: sculpting and life drawing. Serena?s future ambition is to set up her own advertising agency in Ghana, also to be a top model and actress.


Where did you grow up? Tell us a little about your home town/city, and family.
My hometown is LA, which is a suburb of Accra, the capital city of Ghana. Accra is situated on the coast and LA is proud of its popular Labadi Beach. The Labadi Beach Hotel boasts of its status as the first 5 star hotel in Ghana. I am the eldest of five girls and my family is from the Ga tribe. I have spent a lot of time in London as a student, and my father has set up a business there. I have fond memories of growing up in South London.

What Jobs have you done? What was the most interesting/bizarre?
The most interesting job was working for The Body Shop. It is a very interesting company to work for, especially because of the company?s policy of not using products tested on animals and their frequent campaigns on human rights. The environmentally friendly approach to business is very refreshing. Aside from being involved in such activities, I also became involved in community projects which ranged from face painting at school fundraising events, to providing make-up and skin care advice to the mentally and physically disabled and women subjected to domestic violence. I really loved my job and although I was employed as a sales assistant, my work was varied. I felt that I was able to give something back to the community especially to those who may not get the opportunity to travel into the store. For the women suffering as a result of domestic violence, it gave them an opportunity to relax. I found that it was good therapy for me to be around other women, especially those suffering from such abuse. I currently am working on a part time basis as a clerk in the financial sector.

What are your career ambitions, how do you plan to realise them?
I have so many ambitions when it comes to my career. But first and foremost I would like to complete my BA honours Degree in Marketing and Advertising. I believe education is very important, and I think I am very fortunate to have the opportunity. Once I complete my degree, I would like to become a Super Model. I have always had a passion for acting especially on screen. It is definitely something I want to pursue in the near future. Advertising is my field of study and it is an industry, which I find to be facilitating, because it is highly competitive and always changing. I plan to set up an advertising agency in the future.

What is the proudest moment of your life? (Not including winning your National Title)
There is a high prevalence of anaemia in my country, affecting mostly women, children and adolescents. My chosen project, as Miss Ghana was to embark on an anaemia awareness and prevention campaign in Ghana. My campaign was entitled "Your Blood Is Your Life" to which I strategically visited schools, as well as clinics, the Association of Dressmakers and Beauticians across the length and width of the country. My proudest moment came after a presentation I gave at a school when a young girl approached me almost in tears after my presentation, I asked her what was wrong. She replied that she had been suffering from anaemia all her life and that after hearing the presentation that she realised she may still be suffering. She then thanked me and told me she was extremely grateful to me for educating her and the other children in her school as to how to prevent anaemia. I then embraced her and thanked her. It is the best feeling in the world to know that you have made a positive impact on somebody?s life and that the effect will be carried forward to future generations.

What was the funniest/most embarrassing moment of your life?
Five ago my cousin and I booked a holiday to Cyprus. Her mother offered to take us both to the airport, which we accepted. Five minutes before reaching the airport we realised that there had been an error in communication because my cousin?s mother had driven to the wrong airport. Fortunately, for my cousin and I we had began our journey to the airport in good time so we were able to divert to the right airport and to arrive just in time to board the plane. However, because of our late arrival we were unable to check in our luggage and had to board the plane carrying all our baggage. It was very embarrassing.

What was the funniest/most embarrassing moment of your life?
Winning the Miss Ghana pageant has made a positive impact on my life. I have been exposed to new experiences, and people from all walks of life. It is a huge responsibility and in order to be successful I have to learn to plan every aspect of my life. I have learned to become focused and as a result managed to complete the second year of my degree course, while handling a successful reign.Life can become hectic at time, but it is definitely worth the effort for such a once in a lifetime experience.

Tell us about an interesting event you have attended, or a person that you have met.
I recently personally met J.A Kufour, the President of my country. Such an occasion is a real honour. He was very friendly and approachable despite his status. I also had the privilege of meeting the Minister of Tourism, who in fact introduced me to the President stating "she is one of us" referring to my contributions to our country. Personally it was a special moment for me. They also wished me luck for the Miss World Pageant.

What would you like to do, if you became Miss World 2004?
If I became Miss World 2004, I would like to continue the legacy of dedicating my life to the well being of others.With my experience as Miss Ghana work of this nature is one of the important aspects of receiving such a title. There is nothing more rewarding than being able to make a positive contribution to society.

If you had a personal motto what would it be?
Never ask less of yourself than your best.

Give details of any charitable work undertaken?
My chosen charity project as Miss Ghana was an anaemia prevention campaign. In my country the rate of anaemia is high, especially amongst women and children.

I have travelled across the length and the width of the country visiting schools, antenatal clinics and association of women to try and prevent such a condition.

I have also volunteered my service to help street children. We recently held an event, where street children were invited to a local park, where they received food, clothes and medical treatment.