Miss Ghana Pageants

In the last two days, former winners of the Miss Ghana pageant have spoken publically about their experiences. Mainly, casting a nasty spotlight on the organization's leader, Inna Marian Patty. Allegedly, the former titleholders have experienced everything from emotional and verbal abuse to being used as escorts. (Read: Top 10 Ways to Stay Safe as a Titleholder)

About the allegations

Miss Ghana 2010, Stephanie Karikari; Miss Ghana 2015, Antoinette Delali; and Miss Ghana 2013, Giuseppina Nana Aku Baafi have divulged to the media how Patty would physically abuse them. The winners were also sent out on fundraising missions as part of their year. Allegedly, for sponsors who donated a large amount of money, a date with the titleholder would be requested in exchange. (Read: Top 10 Ways To Protect Yourself From Getting Ripped Off at a Pageant )

Photo: Entertainment Ghana Website

About Margaret Kuma-Mintah

Mintah was the first runner-up to the 2013 Miss Ghana pageant. She resigned from the position just two weeks after the pageant. According to Mintah, the titleholders had to travel from office to office begging for sponsorship from local companies – a venture where they were not paid for their time nor reimbursed for their travel expenses. Mintah also claims they were forced to defer their studies during their year of reign, and the $10,000 raised by contestants for the organization's charity was never delivered. (Read: What Pageant Girls Need to Know About Online Safety )

Miss Ghana 2013 with first runner-up, Margaret Kuma- Mintah (far right). Photo: Ghana Gist Website

About the Miss Ghana pageant

The Miss Ghana pageant started in 1957 but only first appeared on the Miss World stage in 1959. The pageant has taken twenty-nine contestants to Miss World out of its thirty-eight years. Its biggest accomplishment to date was in 2013 when Carranzar Shooter was named second runner-up. Patty, the organization's leader, competed in 2005.

Miss Ghana Organization Leader: Inna Patty Photo: My Joy Online

The pageant's response

The Miss Ghana organization PRO, Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo, has denied claims that contestants sign contracts with lack of family or lawyers present. Baidoo spoke out on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM with the host, Ola Michaels. He did not comment on the other allegations brought forth by the young women.