By Simon Asare
Accra, Sept. 04, GNA – The contestants for this year’s ‘ATɔEɛ Mbofra Hemaa’ beauty pageant have paid a courtesy visit to Mr Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister.
The aim of the visit was to formally introduce the 13 contestants to the Minister and also discuss issues regarding this year’s theme, which is “Unlocking the potentials of a girl-child through development and the fight against teenage pregnancy and substance abuse.”
Madam Princess Antwi, the CEO of Carilex Productions, the organisers of the pageant, stated that they were elated by the kind gesture demonstrated by the Western Regional Minister and urged for support.
She noted that the pageant’s focus was to address substance misuse, which had become a rising concern not only throughout Ghana but particularly in the Western Region.
“This is an awareness-creating platform where these young ladies would deal with issues of substance abuse and teenage abuse, with the ultimate winner being announced as an ambassador for the project.
“The winner would go to schools and other places to create more awareness about the project theme. The ultimate goal is to build a rehabilitation centre in the Western Region so that victims can resort to the best treatment services as they seek to get back to normalcy and pursue their dreams,” said Madam Antwi.
She also stated that their intention to name the rehabilitation centre “Nelson Addiction Check” in honour of the Minister.
The Western Regional Minister, in his response, threw support behind the kid’s pageant, saying that it was a course in the right direction, especially in dealing with issues of substance abuse and teenage pregnancy.
”The focus of the pageant is a worthy cause and most important for today’s use, considering how most young people are involved in substance abuse nowadays. It is important we highlight these things faced by society and see ways to resolve them.
“Sensitising children about substance abuse is a good project so that by the time they enter their youthfulness, they become aware of the dangers associated with substance abuse,” Mr Nelson said.
The Minister also urged the pageant platform to also adopt project themes targeted at changing societal behaviours, including littering and disregard for road signs, among many others.
The road to crowning a new ‘ATɔEɛ Mbofra Hemaa’ has begun with a live show to be held at the Anaji Choice Mart Event Hall every Saturday at 4pm through September and October, 2025.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade