Fresh from her recent success in demonstrating how talent and beauty can create a powerful combination, we speak to Rhema Nti, the newly crowned Miss Ghana UK about her life, ambitions and cultural identity.

Beauty contests are not for the faint hearted. Taking to the stage to demonstrate grace, intelligence – and, of course, beauty - is a daunting thought for most people. Yet, despite provoking the occasional controversy, beauty pageants also offer young people the opportunity to raise their profile and – in terms of those within the African community – to take on the challenge of becoming a positive role model.

Established in 1994, the Miss Ghana UK beauty pageant is now recognized as one of the most successful beauty pageants of its kind.  According to one of the pageant’s sponsors, Akwaaba, the primary aim of Miss Ghana UK is to highlight Ghana’s rich cultural background heritage whilst placing great emphasis on Ghanaian attributes and lifestyles in the UK and abroad.

However the importance of the event spans much further afield as the organisers aim to bring together all UK-based Ghanaians, thereby providing an opportunity for young people to gain a valuable network of contacts with professional Ghanaians. The event also supports the treatment of sickle cell anaemia in Ghana and cites the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra as one of its beneficiaries.

ReConnect Africa spoke to Rhema about the challenges of the Miss Ghana UK pageant and how she intends to build on her early success.

RN: Thank you very much. Well, as you know, my name is Rhema Nti. I am 18 years old and I am crrently studying for a BSc in Business Management at Queen Mary University of London. Most of my spare time is taken up by traveling, shopping, ballet, socializing with friends and at church.

RN: Although I was not entirely 100% sure about entering, I realized that it would be a great opportunity to meet new people and to gain certain skills which I didn’t already possess or could develop.

I also thought that I could aim to make a difference if I did win the competition, as opportunities would arise from this position, such as working to help deprived children, both in Africa and here in England. Not to mention also interacting with the youth of today and encouraging young girls like me to fulfill their potential.

RN: We had 10 weeks of pageant training which included practicing walking, speeches and our talents.At home, I worked on the more physical aspects of the competition, such as going to the gym regularly and eating healthily. This was not as bad as it sounds! Some of these skills learnt in Miss Ghana I can apply to everyday life, which is always good.

RCA: How do you think winning the title will be of benefit to you?

RN: I know I am only young myself but I would just love to see the youth of today, especially young black Ghanaian girls, reach their full potential and be comfortable with themselves.

I am working at this through getting involved in networks and societies, especially in London and Milton Keynes, and evidence of this should soon be visible. I do also aim to work with the Miss Ghana UK 2008 pageant girls this year to share my experiences and to encourage them to stay true to themselves - and show that there aren't only perks for the winners. The pageant has opened up new doors and opportunities for all the girls that took part.

RN: Although I was born and bred in England, I still feel a great connection with Ghanaian society. You should always be proud of where you come from - and I sure am! It’s interesting to share and learn more about your culture, although it can be quite hard to embrace it, being such a conservative society. However, I can always come home to find traditional food and I am still brought up by Ghanaian morals, so Ghana will always be close to my heart.

RN: I think that the major issue facing beauty pageants today is the weight debate which is becoming such an issue within society as a whole. There is a way to maintain weight and stay healthy at the same time, as well as there being a much more beneficial way to losing weight without skipping meals.

There is a healthy way of losing weight, if one wishes to. But I also believe that one has to learn to be confident and comfortable within you. Being Miss Ghana UK, I am going to be addressing these sensitive topics and, no matter what, I know that I have to lead by example.

RN: Well, I am studying for a BSc in Business and Management at Queen Mary University of London. Iwould love to go on to do a postgraduate MBA at London Business School.

I am a person who is interested in many things and, although now I do not particularly know which exact path I would like to undertake, I love fashion and also wouldn’t mind getting involved in real estate investment.

Miss Ghana has opened my eyes to a lot of business opportunities, both here and in Ghana, which would also be challenging and yet fulfilling. I am leaving my career direction up to God, as I believe that He has a great plan for my life.