We don’t owe you – RAC LLC tells Miss Universe 2012 winner

Following the allegation by Gifty Ofori, 2012 winner of the Miss Universe Ghana beauty pageant that she is yet to receive prizes promised her after her crowning, Roberta Annan Consulting [RAC LLC], current organizers of the pageant has issued a statement to distance itself from the accusations.

Gifty’s prize package publicised by last year’s organizers, Insignia Experience and RAC Group comprised of an official car, accommodation for a year, participation in the 61st Miss Universe pageant in the US, a three-month internship at the United Nations (UN) in New York, and a presentation and modeling portfolio shot by celebrity photographer, Fadil Berisha in New York.

She was also to receive a Samsung Note 2 tablet, four pages editorial spread in an international magazine, personal celebrity stylists in New York, Los Angeles and Accra and also management and representation by the Insignia Experience/RAC Group as well as a year of incredible experience of celebrity status and adventure.

Till date, May 22, 2013, the beauty queen had only received the Samsung Galaxy phablet, represented Ghana at Miss Universe pageant in the US and also benefited from a photo shoot.

According to Gifty, she has no idea as to when organizers will fulfill their promise to her especially when they do not answer her phone calls.

RAC LLC, in a statement released Wednesday and copied Myjoyonline.com said last year’s edition of the pageant was organized by INSIGNIA Experience with help from the RAC Group and based on their working agreement at the time; INSIGNIA was responsible for the event as well as providing the winner with the prizes she deservedly won.

The statement said: “RAC LLC however believes that Ms. Gifty Ofori deserves to receive all the full benefits that were promised her she won the crown last year; and as such is right to pursue the issue with last year’s organizers.”

RAC LLC assured this year’s pageant finalists and the general public that they are dedicated to ensuring that this year’s winner and contestants receive all prizes promised to them after the finale.

This year, ten Ghanaian beauty hopefuls will vie for the title of Miss Universe Ghana during what is expected to be a star-studded finale which marks the 11th edition of the pageant.

The ten finalists are; Akua, Albie, Ama, Emerald, Georgina, Hanniel, Helen, Mya, Olivia and Stacy.

Miss Universe 2011, Leila Lopez will be a judge at this year’s finale

Next Top Model’s Celebrity photographer, Jo Lance, according to organizers is currently in Ghana handling photography for this year’s pageant together with Ghanaian photographer Steven Adusei.

Miss Universe 2011, Angola’s Leila Lopez as well as former Victoria Secret model, Veronica Varekova will join Yvonne Nelson, TV/Radio host Benny Blanco, Brian D. Hogan, Founder and Partner of Paradigm Group Capital LLC on the judging panel for this year’s finale.

The prize package for this year’s winner includes, a New York Film Academy Scholarship, Management and Public Relations team for the year, and GH¢ 5,000 worth of wardrobe for appearances.

The winner will also participate in Miss Universe, gym membership and several other prizes that are aimed at empowering the winner to pursue an effective social economic growth agenda for the country.

The grand finale of Miss Universe Ghana 2013 comes off at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel on Friday May 24 and is strictly by invitation.

myjoyonline