I have always pulled the scam alert on the organizers of Miss Universe Ghana- The Insignia Group, as their ways of dealing seem to be full of gluttonous desire to exploit innocent young girls for their selfish gains…
I have had my own back and forth battle with them—as they hate to be exposed!
I just hope that the young girls out there will be cleaver enough to see behind the veil so as not to deal with these people.
About two years ago, I attempted to expose those currently holding the Miss Universe franchise in Ghana- Insignia Group, when they flew into Ghana, a mixed race- Yayra E. Nego who had contested for Miss USA (Miss Universe US version) and failed, and proceeded to crown her Miss Ghana Universe.
It emerged at the time that, Yayra E. Nego did not meet the 6 months residence requirement, had no strong connection with Ghana and did not even speak any of the many Ghanaian languages. But she was crowned Miss Universe Ghana, to represent Ghana and serve as a Ghanaian ambassador.
Shortly after my article bringing the above to light, Mr.William Dedzrah, the Communications Director of Insignia Group, the organizers and producers of Miss Universe Ghana pageant phoned to insult me for expressing my honest opinion about their choosing of Miss Yayra Erica Nego as the winner of Miss Universe Ghana.
Following this, the organizers have come out with unreasonable excuses not to give her what she deserves by stripping her off the title completely…
Joy FM Reports;
The Insignia Group, co-organizer of the 2012 Miss Universe Ghana beauty pageant has stripped last year’s winner of her title barely hours to the crowing of a new queen.
Insignia in statement released Friday said the decision was necessitated by several interviews Gifty Ofori, winner of the 2012 pageant granted the media in the wake of allegations that she has not received her prizes which contravene the pageant’s laws.
Gifty’s prize package publicised by last year’s organizers, Insignia Experience and RAC Group comprised an official car, accommodation for a year, participation in the 61st Miss Universe pageant in the US, a three-month internship at the United Nations (UN) 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 2 phablet, 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.
Till date, May 22, 2013, the beauty queen had only received the Samsung Galaxy phablet, represented Ghana at Miss Universe pageant in the US and also benefited from a photo shoot.
Insignia in a statement copied Myjoyonline.com said: “In light of the series of unfortunate events and for flouting very specific clauses in the contract she willingly entered into with the organization, The Insignia Group has had to take the tough decision of stripping the current titleholder of her title as Miss Universe Ghana 2012.”
“With immediate effect, Miss Gifty Ofori has been relieved of her title and duties as Miss Universe® Ghana 2012 as well as the privileges that go with her title and office. The title of Miss Universe Ghana 2012 is herewith voided and pronounced vacant,” the statement added.
Organizers said in accordance to the rules stipulated in the 2012 Miss Universe Ghana Entry Form and Contract Agreement, Gifty is no longer entitled or permitted to use the title and position of “Miss Universe Ghana 2012” in anyway, and is also not in a position to allow the use of the title by anyone in reference to her.
“She also forfeits all rights and claims to any benefits and privileges of the title,” the statement added.
According to the organizers, The Insignia Group dealt in good faith with Miss Gifty Ofori and all parties involved and that Insignia has been dragged unnecessarily into this media debacle.
The statement noted that, for more than 15 years, The Insignia Group has been dedicated to developing the potential of young Ghanaian women through industry-leading personal development programs and a very personal, hands-on approach.
“The organization also invested substantial resources into ensuring the titleholders were given incredible opportunities to represent the country in the best light including: personal consultations with celebrity stylists in Los Angeles and New York; sourcing competition wardrobe from world-renown fashion designers; and enviable photo portfolios from celebrity photographers in New York – going far and beyond what any other Ghanaian pageant organization has ever done,” organizers said.
Roberta Annan Consulting [RAC LLC], new organizers of the pageant, will be crowing a new queen Friday night at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel. Ten finalists – Akua, Albie, Ama, Emerald, Georgina, Hanniel, Helen, Mya, Olivia and Stacy – are vying for the crown this year.
This is so unfair! Chris, well done for taking up this issue. I hope that people put pressure on these organizers so that they do the right thing. They are found of taking advantage of all these young girls who sign up for pageants. Elsewhere, they’d have been made to pay a lot of money in damages for this scam!