08/03/2025
She came as Contestant No. 9 but left as a legend. In 1957, Monica Amekoafia made history as the first-ever Miss Ghana, representing Trans-Volta Togoland. Her victory gave rise to the now-iconic "Number 9" nickname for people from the Volta Region.
As reported by Wikipedia, Monica embarked on a tour of London, meeting dignitaries and experiencing various cultural events, following her win. Her newfound fame attracted numerous admirers, reportedly receiving over 100 marriage proposals.
She later married Henry Kofi Marrah, a Ghanaian diplomat, and accompanied him on postings to countries like Czechoslovakia and Hungary. After returning to Ghana in 1966, Monica engaged in various trades, including dressmaking and soap making. She passed away on June 24, 1990, but her legacy endures, with a statue unveiled in her honour in Hohoe, Volta Region.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Monica Amekoafia, not just for her crown, but for the history she shaped.