The Models Union of Ghana (MODUGA) has officially launched its maiden Ghana Modelling Industry and Heroes Awards Scheme.

The event which will take place in December this year, is to recognize members that have been outstanding throughout the year and also show appreciation to some industry players who have supported the arts over the years.

Speaking at the launch, President for the Models Union of Ghana, Lilian Sally Addo said the initiative was necessary to boost the industry and change negative perception about modelling in Ghana.

According to her, the time had come for corporate Ghana to recognize young talented Ghanaian models as better marketers of their brand and potential ambassadors.

“Modelling is not only about wearing skimpy dresses and walking on the runway. There is so much more to it. We have some models doing things outside the industry and still modelling, so you don’t only have to take pictures and put it on social media,” she said.



She added, “Modelling is more than that and we need to get people to take us more seriously. This awards will be used to set standards and also connect all the modelling agencies across the 10 regions. Now that there is an umbrella body, models, agents and agencies can all work together, and the outstanding ones will be recognized so others are encouraged.”

On his part, the Upper East Regional Chairman of the Association, Rinner Ayelazoya urged the public to nominate personnel they deem fit for the various categories.

According to him, a committee will be set up to vet the nominees before a final list is produced for the general public to vote. Industry personnel who will be honored in the heroes’ category, will however not be voted for but chosen at random.

“We are very excited about this and we know our members will be excited too. For you to nominate someone, you have to visit our website and just put down the person’s name, then we will go through and pick out the best. After that, you can vote based on the selected few,” he said.

Mr Ayelazoya revealed, “We are going to be using the short code 1788. It’s all up to the public to vote. Nomination is expected from every region across Ghana. Once you pass the vetting you stand a chance of winning.”

For this year’s awards scheme, over thirty categories have been listed. They include Top model of the year (male and female), most promising model, runway model of the year, best fashion designer, best unique model, best modelling agency, best modelling agent, most popular magazine, best catwalk trainer, best make-up artist, most photogenic model among others.