A young Bissa lady, Insiya Mohammed, has been crowned Miss Muslimah Ghana 2024, beating seven other contestants in a celebration of Muslim beauty and cultural heritage.
It comes after a remarkable performance where she showcased her deep understanding of Islamic principles and demonstrated exceptional talent in cultural presentations that captivated both judges and audience alike.
The Grand Finale held at the National Theater on Saturday November 9 saw the Bissa lady exhibiting one of her best for the night to the admiration of many.
She was articulate, bold and confident throughout the competition after spending days to practise under the guidance of cultural mentors and pageant coaches, mastering every aspect of the competition requirements.
Insiya received a cash prize of 5,000 Ghanaian cedis (approximately £320), along with a commemorative plaque and additional prizes at the event, which returned after a year-long hiatus.
She shed tears of joy as the crown was placed on her head, marking a momentous achievement for both herself and her community.
The Bissa Chief of Gomoa Fetteh, Kir Mustapha Dawuda Lengani, played a pivotal role in Mohammed’s success, providing cultural training and support throughout her preparation. Her performance included a showcase of traditional Bissa customs, which formed a crucial part of the competition.
The pageant, now in its third season, aims to challenge stereotypes surrounding Muslim women in the beauty industry whilst maintaining religious and cultural values.
“Miss Muslimah Ghana has established itself as a platform that empowers young Muslim women to excel in a non-Muslim-dominated industry,” the organisers said.
The competition distinguishes itself from conventional beauty pageants by emphasising modesty and intelligence alongside physical appearance, creating opportunities for Muslim women to participate in mainstream cultural events whilst adhering to their religious principles.
She joins a list of Bissas who are selling the Bissa brand through pageantry, following in the footsteps of notable predecessors who have used such platforms to showcase their rich cultural heritage and promote diversity within Ghana’s beauty industry.