Ms Aky Sanna Veisa, Miss International Africa 2024, has paid a courtesy call on Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, to reinforce Ghana-Cape Verde relations and explore avenues for deeper cultural collaboration across the continent.
The visit focused on promoting African unity through cultural exchange, sustainable development goals (SDGs), and tourism partnerships.
Miss Veisa, a Cape Verdean national and recent Computer Science graduate, used the occasion to reaffirm her commitment to SDG 1, No Poverty and SDG 4, Quality Education.
She emphasized that understanding Ghanaian culture was essential to her mission of authentically representing Africa.
“As Miss Africa, I want to be the voice for those who are often unheard,” she stated.
Miss Veisa was accompanied by fellow Cape Verdean and former Miss Africa USA, Nereida Lobo, founder of the Little Crown Foundation, an NGO working to improve educational access across the continent.
Madam Gomashie commended Miss Veisa’s vision and shared her personal experiences of regional collaboration, recalling public health innovations she observed in Cape Verde and Sierra Leone during past official visits.
“Investing in healthy lifestyles as a form of preventive health is something I truly admire, siting public mini-gyms at bus stops in both countries.”
She praised the efforts of the beauty queen and her team and encouraged them to persist in their advocacy and leadership. “It takes courage to put yourself out there. You are learning every day and helping others do the same.”
The minister underscored the potential of cultural diplomacy and youth empowerment in advancing development and unity in Africa.
Ms. Lobo outlined the Foundation’s achievements in Ghana since 2017, including the renovation of two schools and upcoming plans to construct a new school in Bortianor by 2026.
“Growing up in poverty inspired me to return and contribute. “Through the Miss Cape Verde International platform, we are empowering young women to be agents of change.”
The platform, she noted, recently produced the first African queen to place as first runner-up in the Miss International pageant in Japan.
Both parties committed to further collaborations in education, tourism, and the creative arts between Ghana and Cape Verde.
GNA
