Jessica Rockson from Stratford takes title of Miss Ghana UK 2001

Last Saturday, in front of an audience of over a thousand people, five judges had the awesome task to select the new Miss Ghana UK 2001. During five segments: Causal wear, swimwear, cultural wear, evening wear and a speech the eight contestants battled it out for the crown at the Stratford Rex, East London.

The atmosphere in the changing room is bustling with excitement and anticipation as the eight contestants prepare for the first segment. Four different sets of clothes for each contestant, shoes, flags, make up, and other beauty paraphernalia are strewn around. Laughter and chit chat fills the air as they are getting ready in the 15 square metre room with only a small mirror. The door is constantly opening and closing as Olivia, the make up artist and two hairdressers take each contestant next door to bring out the best in them. Jennifer, Caroline and Anna are the core organisation team and have their work cut out. Making sure the girls are in the right place at the right time, liasing with the press, button or zip up dresses, fix jewellery and no doubt later on calm the nerves. And the girls themselves? They seem remarkably calm – for the moment anyway - and they couldn’t be more supportive and caring for each other – there is no jealousy or snide remarks. They are all here for the same thing – the fun and experience of it and of course also the crown.

In the meantime down in the auditorium things are hotting up helped by garage, R’n B and traditional Ghanaian music. Over a thousand people have come to the Stratford Rex not only to witness the crowing of the new Miss Ghana UK 2001 but also to come together, meet fellow Ghanaians and celebrate Ghana. And after the official opening of the 9th Miss Ghana beauty pageant by a representative of the Ghana High commission, Compares Mr Abrantie and Nana introduced by MC Mr Shuges, start the long awaited contest. Finally, more than an hour after the scheduled time the moment has come. It is time for the girls to get on stage and show the audience and the judges that they are each and every one of them much more than just beautiful. When during the first round, casual wear, the contestants’ qualifications are read out alongside their vital statistics it soon becomes clear that there is more to competing in this contest than just beauty.

From Acting to Psychology, the girls seem to have it all covered. Still, after the causal wear segment, the audience is impatiently awaiting the second round of the contest – swim wear – which predictably goes down a storm. Followed by the cultural showcase during which, dressed in traditional attire, the contestants, in a way chosen by themselves, represent the culture of their region; they recite poems on Ghana, perform cultural dances and even sketches. Of course no contest is complete without an evening wear segment, which leaves me in no doubt that the job of a judge is not an easy one. Still there is more to come, as the girls give a short speech on their chosen subject – they range from ‘Happiness’ to ‘African Pride’ and ‘Third World Debt’.

Throughout the programme Personal Appearances, a variety of performances ranging from dance acts and comedy give the girls time to get dressed and ready for the next segment.

By now it’s 2.45am and back in the dressing room the girls are getting tired and emotionally drained. Changing clothes, make up and hairstyle for four hours, smiling all the way through it - with photographs taken between each segment is beginning to take its toll - they can’t wait to finish the contest and get out on the dance floor and join the party. But they didn’t have much longer to wait. Finally, after weeks of preparation, rehearsing, worrying, dressmaking and anticipation the new Miss Ghana UK 2001 is announced. Whilst Kokwi being 1st Princess and 2nd Princess, Jessica Rockson takes the crown and with it a brand new car, a year of reign during which she will be visiting Ghana, have numerous press obligations and the opportunity to spread the culture and heritage of her homeland amongst the young people in the UK and in the motherland.

You can’t see some of the girls for dust as they go and release tension on the dance floor whilst the others just want to get home and get their well earned rest after a long and exciting day. Me? My work here is also done and I put down my pen and paper and dance until the morning comes.