FEATURE: Well Done Lamisi

I am fawning over Miss Ghana 2005, Lamisi Mbilla for being feisty, gutsy, determined and uncompromising In the pursuing of the case against Sparrow Productions. Unlike Inna Patty, who intimated a raw deal with the very same organizers but refused to disclose those issues, Lamisi never backed down and blurted out her grievances. She earned my respect and accolade for standing up for her rights, in spite of the alleged death threats and all the bad-mouthing against her.

The difference between Inna and Lamisi is That, while Inna only protested not to handover her crown at the function, a decision she was chivvied to rescind, Lamisi took the matter to court and made us all know what actually was 'going down' at Sparrow Productions.

Sparrow Productions has indeed breathed some life into the annual 'Miss Ghana' pageant which nearly crumbled under the aegis of MediaWhizzkids Productions. Shirley Frimpong Manso's firm did ameliorate various segments of the pageant including the areas of publicity, sponsorship, participation of contestants, grooming of the ladies and the prize package. They have done great service to the show by invigorating it with much finesse and glow, but their outlandish attitude of reneging on their promises to deliver the prizes has indeed affected the credibility of the pageant. I'm surprised at Shirley Frimpong-Manso and Jayne Awoonor-William, respective Director and Asst. Director of Sparrow Productions. Why would they want to withhold the prize package of the winner till the end of the term? I thought everything is handed over to the winners within 24hrs after the show?

Infact, what were they expecting Ms. Mbilla to use in trekking all over the country in her campaign against guinea worm infestation? To withhold the car, the prize money, the air ticket and whatever, is simply unacceptable. To go home with some cheap metal-made crown is woefully inadequate. What is the essence of the huge sponsorship package pumped into the show, at least that's what we're made to believe. If the sponsors are not forthcoming, then the organizers should let us know ,otherwise we'll be cajoled to believe that Ms. Frimpong-Manso and Ms. Awoonor-Williams are using the Sparrow Production thing to enrich themselves at the expense of the ladied who've worked their butts out to claim whatever they deserve.

I'm gutted because 'Miss Ghana' under Mr. Geddy Laryea's Mediawhizz was fraught with problems and it was highly expected that Sparrow Prod. under distinguished and accomplished ladies like Shirley and Jayne would give the show a new look.

As organizers expected the likes of Shirley to stand-by and allow resource persons to commandeer various segments of the show, instead of being judges themselves at the audition, fashion show, coking contest, karaoke night, etc. 'Miss Ghana' has been with us for long and it is therefore imperative that Sparrow Prod. hold on to it with the right attitude devoid of altercations. I also extol Irene Dwomoh for annexing this year's edition and I admonish her to read whatever contract they present to her very well so she doesn't cry foul in future. Congratulations to Sparrow for being resilient and organizing the show well.

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