Welcome reception held for Miss World Africa 2013

A stately welcome reception jointly put together by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, and Exclusive Events Ghana, has been held in Accra for Naa Okailey Shooter, Ghana’s representative at this year’s Miss World beauty pageant.

The strictly-by-invitation event held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel on Friday, was to honour and celebrate Miss Shooter’s achievement at the event.

Ghana placed a historic third place position, with Miss Shooter becoming the new Miss World Africa. She also is the first Ghanaian representative to get far in the competition’s 63rd history.

Some of Ghana’s finest corporate heads and dignitaries including the Mayor of Accra, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, Mr Reginald Laryea, former franchise holder, Togbe Afede, and Constance Swaniker of Accents and Arts, among a host of media personalities and known faces, attended the event.

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, tasked Miss Shooter to work hard to “uplift the Miss Ghana brand, and its beauty with a purpose agenda.”

“We also trust that you will continue to work with your management here in Ghana to continue to promote tourism and other related industries.”

The honourable Minister used the occasion to reiterate her outfit’s belief that Ghana was ready to host the world event, adding, “I can confidently say that Ghana is ready to host such a prestigious event.

“We boast of a wonderful hospitality industry, rich culture and breath-taking tourist sites.”

“In addition, “she said, “The creative industry is booming. The huge revenue generation capacity for tourism and related sectors cannot be over emphasized.”

Miss Naa Oakiley Shooter, who was elegantly dressed on the night, relived her experience at the World event, saying “the greatest part of this entire experience was the privilege to share the rich cultural heritage and beauty of Ghana with the rest of the world.”

“This victory,” she said, “is not for me alone but for all Ghanaians and Africans at large.”

She also thanked persons, institutions, her parents, family and friends for their support throughout her journey to the event.

Inna Maryam Patty, CEO, Exclusive Events Ghana, organizers of the Miss Ghana pageant, told the gathering that her outfit was “determined to work hard to ensure that the Miss Ghana platform is one that continues to be respected and revered.”

She also re-echoed the honourable Minister’s position on Ghana’s hosting of the world event in the coming years, insisting “Exclusive Events Ghana shall beat the drum in every way and at every opportunity that we can.”

“The time has come,” she said.

Entertainment was provided by the Ghana Dance Ensemble and young acts Nino and Kobi Rana.

The event was hosted by Prince Ato Turkson and Precious Kyei Bonsu.