By Hafsa Obeng, GNA
Accra, June 30, GNA – Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has honoured Ghanaian makeup artist, Roselyn Akosua Mantey, for her historic achievement in setting the Guinness World Record for the longest makeup application marathon.
Ms Mantey etched her name onto the global creative map on July 3, 2024, by applying makeup to 120 people within five days, taking only a five-minute break after each hour.
Madam Gomashie gave the thumps up when Ms Mantey and her team paid a courtesy call on her to present the award to the Ministry.
The Minister described the award as a milestone that placed Ghana firmly on the global creative map, pledging the Ministry’s commitment to supporting such contemporary expressions of the creative arts.
She said the Creative Arts industry was gradually adapting to contemporary times and becoming a very diverse industry.
“Makeup is set out as a craft worth celebrating, and we must recognise, applaud and give it the space to flourish, because ultimately, it contributes to the development of our country,” she said.
Madam Gomashie said to promote tourism, it was important to combine it with culture and creative arts, because culture was what set Ghana apart from other countries.
“ And the expression of its heritage through culture, food, fashion, songs has kept tourist arrivals increasing,” she said.
“This is the reason why we will continue to support a creative like Ms Mantey, who finds her vocation and her calling in makeup, and has done it to gain global recognition….”
She gave the assurance that the Ministry would create opportunities for her to let other people acknowledge the possibilities in the industry.
“There are so many challenges associated with the industry, but you made it and your achievement is a mark of endurance and a spirit that when identified could lead to many places.”
The Minister encouraged Ms Mantey and other creatives to remain committed to their craft and urged Ghanaians to patronise made in Ghana make up products.
“The beauty industry is huge, and there are so many Ghanaian products, which we must promote and support, so it is maintained.”
“You are an ambassador now and we must celebrate you for making this effort. Many people have tried all kinds of marathons, and we have been cheering them on. But finally, you bring one home and we are really proud of you.”
Ms Mantey, on her part, said her skills in make-up artistry motivated her to venture into the marathon, to showcase Ghanaian made makeup products and to tell the younger ones that having a skill was very important.
“It is not only about me getting recognition, but also setting an example for the youth. This is for every young woman who wants to have freedom or independence or do something for herself, and for Ghana, at large and I hope that something excellent will come out of it.”
She acknowledged that the marathon was a challenging one, which required endurance and the can-do spirit.
“Standing on your feet for five continues days, applying make-up with only five minutes break hourly is not an easy task. But with endurance, and accurate timekeepers to meet the standard, we made it.”
Ms Mantey said she had trained more than 1000 students in the arts and hinted of her up-coming class for interested young women in July.
She encouraged the youth interested in the arts to get trained by certified and recognised brands to achieve flawless results.
GNA
Agnes Boye-Doe