By James Amoh Junior, GNA
Accra, April 9, GNA – The maiden edition of Miss Diaspora Ghana has been officially launched in Accra, with stakeholders describing the initiative as a transformative platform aimed at strengthening diaspora engagement, empowering young women, and contributing to national development.
The event, held in Accra, brought together government officials, traditional leaders, development partners, and members of the diplomatic and business communities, who emphasized the importance of leveraging the Ghanaian diaspora as a strategic asset for growth.
Miss Diaspora Ghana is a newly introduced initiative aimed at complementing Ghana’s growing diaspora engagement and tourism development agenda.
The diaspora has emerged as a key development partner, contributing through remittances, skills transfer, and enterprise, prompting calls for more structured platforms to harness its potential.
The pageant is, therefore, designed to move beyond traditional beauty contests by focusing on leadership, youth empowerment, and community impact.
A key feature of the maiden edition is a legacy project on the Akuapem Ridge, where the winner will lead initiatives in vocational training and cassava value addition to support sustainable livelihoods.
The long-term goal is to create a platform that connects diaspora talent and resources to local development while promoting Ghanaian culture and empowering young women as agents of change.
Professor Kobby Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Development Company, said the initiative symbolised a renewed connection between Ghana and its diaspora, anchored on identity, opportunity, and national development.
He noted that tourism must go beyond promotion to create real opportunities for young people and women, stressing that platforms like Miss Diaspora Ghana could help unlock investment, innovation, and inclusive growth.
“Miss Diaspora Ghana is a reminder that no matter where life takes us, there is a part of us that remains deeply rooted in Ghana,” he said, urging the diaspora to see Ghana not only as a heritage destination but also as a partner for business and development.
Mr Sylvester Adinam Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export-Import Bank, described the initiative as timely, noting that youth empowerment remained central to Ghana’s economic transformation.
He said the theme for the event, “Beyond the Crown: Empowering the Youth, Building Industries, Transforming Communities,” reflected a deliberate shift towards purpose-driven engagement.
“The Ghanaian diaspora is one of our greatest strategic assets. Their knowledge, networks, investments, and influence can play a major role in expanding Ghana’s industries and opening new opportunities for trade and enterprise,” he said.
Mr Mensah added that empowering young women through such platforms would contribute significantly to building resilient industries and promoting sustainable development.
Nana Yaa Ampem Darkoa, Nkabomhene of the Akuapem Traditional Area, emphasised the cultural significance of the initiative, describing it as a bridge between Ghanaians at home and those in the diaspora.
She said the platform reinforced the role of women as pillars of society and agents of development, and commended the organisers for integrating a community-focused legacy project into the programme.
“The crown is heavy, not because of its weight, but because of the responsibility it carries,” she said, urging contestants to use the platform to serve their communities and uphold Ghanaian values.
Mr Richard Anane Nsiah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, said the initiative aligned with Ghana’s broader efforts to position itself as a leading tourism destination in Africa.
He noted that programmes such as the Year of Return and Beyond the Return had strengthened Ghana’s global appeal and deepened diaspora engagement.
“Miss Diaspora Ghana represents more than a pageant. It is a powerful platform that celebrates identity, strengthens cultural ties, and deepens engagement between Ghana and the global diaspora,” he said.
Mr Nsiah highlighted the contributions of diaspora women in shaping Ghana’s global narrative and called for sustained collaboration between the public and private sectors to advance tourism and cultural exchange.
Ms Yvonne Eyram Kofigah, Chief Executive Officer of Nubian Crown Company Limited, organisers of the pageant, said the initiative was designed to go beyond beauty and pageantry to create lasting impact.
She explained that Miss Diaspora Ghana sought to reconnect women of African descent to their roots while translating that connection into meaningful contributions to Ghana’s socio-economic development.
“Miss Diaspora Ghana is about channelling diaspora potential, bringing it home in a structured and meaningful way, and turning it into development,” she said.
Ms Kofigah said the concept was inspired by her own experience in pageantry, which exposed her to the potential of such platforms to drive leadership and social change.
“Our goal is to establish a Vocational and Skills Development Centre where young people and women can acquire practical skills that translate into income and sustainable livelihoods,” she added.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba