Ghana’s representative at this year’s edition of the Beauty of the World 2010 Pageant, Dzuali Romana Sika Afi, has raised the national colours of her beloved country high in far away Qingdao, China, where this year’s event took place.

Sika, known among her pals and in Ghana’s showbiz circle as Sika Da Diva, has annexed the enviable Miss Personality crown, one of the prestigious positions in the world contest held last month. This was after the tall Ghanaian queen, who is also an actress, put up a sterling performance at the show that paraded over 55 beauty queens from 55 countries.

The pageant was aimed at showcasing and projecting different countries’ culture via national costumes and other traditional practices. Sika managed to clear all doubts in the minds of the judges about how she carries herself and was finally given the nod, even though she missed out on the main crown of the night.

Miss Freliha Baiba from Latvia was, however, crowned Miss Beauty of the World 2010. China’s queen came close as first runner-up, followed by Miss Ethiopia as second runner-up. The third and four runner-up places went to USA and Sweden respectively. Sika told NEWS-ONE when she returned that she was elated to have made her nation proud.

“I was very surprised when I was mentioned for the crown. I didn’t see it coming. When I went, I noticed there was a lot of attention on girls from well known countries. We were only four girls from Africa but one of the girl even opted out because she couldn’t take it. But I was able to keep my cool because I wanted to portray to the world that Ghanaians are warm and friendly, accommodating and hospitable people. I wanted to sell that part of Ghana. And I am sure I made that impact because all the other contestants were talking about Ghana as a result of the way I carried myself.”

She believed her success would open new opportunities for her both at home and outside.

Sika, before representing Ghana at the contest, was a face in Ghana’s showbiz industry as she has played supporting roles in some Ghanaian movies. She entered the movie industry in 2008 and had appeared in Venus Film’s ‘Play Boy’, ‘Prince’s Bride’ and the controversial ‘Heart Of Men’.

Sika’s acting dream came true when she met Abdul Salam, CEO of Venus Films at an audition for a TV programme.

“He asked me if I wanted to act, and my ‘yes’ response was what brought me this far.”

The only girl of four children, Sika started schooling from Achimota Primary School, then to Aggrey Memorial High School in Cape Coast and ended up at the Central University College before moving to Zenith College to read Marketing. Single, Sika expects to occupy a very big place in the movie industry and hopes to become a producer or big-time movie marketer. Recently, she made a cross over into Nollywood to do some movies.