Poka Makes Upper East Region Proud With 2013 GMB Win

Upper East Region’s representative in this year’s Ghana’s Most Beautiful reality show, Lawrencia Ayapoka Anafo, has been crowned winner of the 2013 edition.

She walks away with a brand new saloon car, GH¢8,000 and 12 months of regular supply of fabrics from GTP as well as souvenirs from sponsors.

The finals came off on Sunday, November 24, 2013 at the Accra International Conference Center. Patrons packed within the auditorium had their money’s worth as they got entertained by great musicians including highlife maestro Abrantie Amakye Dede.

The multiple award winner set the ball rolling on the night as he dropped two hits from his canon – Dabi Dabi and Odo Nfoni.

The five finalists – Lawrencia Ayapoka Anafo (Poka), Maame Akua Konadu Yiadom, Rose Kennedy Adjei (Akua), Juliana Titiati Bubune and Delimene (Deli) – were, then, introduced to the audience. They mounted the stage in traditional regalia depicting the regions they represented.

The first grading performance for the finalists on the night was the catwalk. Marks were awarded by the two resident judges – David Dontoh and Linda Ampah.

Question and answer time

It was the casual wear display and the question-and-answer that got fans and supporters sitting at the edge of their chairs.

Poka, in answer to a question from Judge Dontoh regarding cultural sensitiveness of Ghanaians, articulated the way of life that has kept most ethnic groups together. She cited how a city like Bawku in her region can rake in foreign exchange with cattle rearing. She intimated that the production of leather from the hide of cattle, for instance, showcases the resilience within the community.

Bubune, 24, was next and in answering a question from Judge Linda Ampah on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) cited MDGs 1 and 2 as the ones she is most endeared to. The student of Presbyterian University College explained that eradicating extreme poverty and achieving universal primary education should be prioritised by developing nations chasing the MDGs.

Deli promised to convince chiefs in her region, the Upper West Region, to help in the development process of the country. It was in answer to a question which sought to find out the contributions of traditional rulers in good governance.

Konadu, on her turn, recommended to cultural entrepreneurs the need to take to the internet in the promotion of their products. She also talked about post-2015 agenda.

“Can religion and culture be bedfellows?” Ms Ampah sought from Akua. Answering that the two go together, the Ashanti Region representative cited Eweland’s Boboobo dance performed in some orthodox churches as ideal examples. The University of Ghana graduate also talked about her contribution to removing the stigma from People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWAs) if she becomes the queen.

Talent display segment

Deli, 26, appeared to have stolen the show in the talent display segment. Her act, which highlighted some of the ills in the Ghanaian society especially the blatant disregard for time, attracted positive remarks from the judges. Introducing a sign language interpreter to her message capped a brilliant performance.

“I think you have a creative mind,” Mr Dontoh remarked.

Konadu, 25, had put up a relatively “packed” performance on child abuse while Bubune’s performance on the need for peace cemented TV3’s quasi-beauty pageant as indeed “Redefining beauty through national unity”.

“Let’s come together as one people,” Bubune sounded, underscoring the destruction caused by land rifts, nepotism, favouritism and politics.

“It is wow,” Ms Ampah said of the performance of the 24-year-old.

Poka and Akua also put up acts condemning early marriage and neglect of autistic children respectively.

At the end of the night’s show, it was Poka who emerged tops.

Bubune came a close second, walking away with GH¢7,000 and six months of supply of GTP fabrics while Konadu came third, becoming GH¢6,000 richer.

Deli and Akua placed fourth and fifth respectively. While Deli walks away with GH¢5,000 with a month’s supply of GTP fabrics, Akua goes home with GH¢3,000.

Poka could not have won the crown without a word from 2012 winner, Emefa Akosua Adeti, who gave her blessing to the new winner and took the opportunity to wish all a merry christmans.

Among artistes that graced the event were Dobble, Guru and D-Crime.
Source: tv3network.com|Ghana