This weekend saw a beauty pageant like no other take place in Ghana. Yacoba Tete-Marmon was crowned Miss Autism Ghana while Nana Sakyi Addo-Dankwa won the title of Mr Autism Ghana.
Organised by NGO Afi Antonio Foundation (AAF) that works towards grooming the talent of and empowering people with autism, the event aimed at promoting social inclusion and removing the social stigma associated with the condition. MP of South Ketu Abla Dzifa Gomashie was the guest of honour at the event that was also attended by several local celebrities, social entrepreneurs, activists, and others.
Before the Mr and Miss Autism pageant, all the contestants were introduced on social media where the followers were asked to vote for whoever they supported. These votes accounted for 60% of their overall scores while the rest was decided by the judge, CEO of Mr. Model Africa Nana Mensah. The foundation said it would help the winners to bag modeling contracts.
Established by Philomena Esinam Afi Antonio in 2018, AAF works on different aspects of ensuring health and economic equity, with a special focus on women empowerment. It helps people with autism and disabilities, as well as marginalised groups of Ghana.
