By Francis Eshun-Baidoo

Miss Paulina Clark, 26, a student of Queensborough Community College, New York, and Greater Accra regional representative, last Saturday won the 2016 edition of Miss Ghana Tourism USA Pageant in Maryland, USA.

Ms. Clark, who competed with eight other ladies after Miss Upper West withdrew, endeared herself to the judges through an expansive knowledge of Ghanaian culture and tourism potential in the Greater Accra region of Ghana to win the title.

The first and second runners- ups were Adwoa Obeng Kyei, 22, Central Regional representative and student of Ohio State University, and Marilyn Naa Tagoe, who represented Upper East.

For her prize, the winner received a round trip ticket to Ghana through South African Airways, a laptop computer, and $1000 spending money.

The colorful event started with a classic performance by young Ghanaian soloist- Annissta. Henry Agyemang emceed at the event providing entertaining comic relief.

The contestants were tested in the area of geography, culture and tourism potentials in various regions of Ghana, They also answered many questions posed by the judges.

Talented Ghanaian saxophonist, Steve Bede, provided relaxing and soothing jazz music.

It was after this keenly contested event that the judges led by Ama K Abeberese, a celebrated Ghanaian movie producer and director, settled on Paulina as the ideal individual to lead Ghana's tourism push in the USA for a year.

This year's Miss Congeniality, Britney Akosua Ayiwah Gambrah who represented the Ashanti Region was crowned by Jan DuPlain of Duplain Enterprises Inc.

Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Gen (Rtd.) Henry Smith, received a unifier award from the pageant organizers - Ghana Tourist Coach (GTC) USA, for his immense contribution towards bringing Ghanaians in the USA together.

At the ceremony, Kwame Boakye Danquah of GTC USA was also honored for his role in championing the cause of Ghana in the USA to end an evening of pomp and pageantry.

Source: Eshum-Baidoo, Francis