By Ewoenam Kpodo
Ho, Dec. 19, GNA – Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, has said that the Volta Region’s representative and winner of the 2025 Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB) pageant embodies the region’s cultural identity, which must be protected and promoted.
The Minister made the remarks during a courtesy call on him by the 2025 GMB queen, Miss Isabella Etornam Gagblezu, at his office in Ho.
He congratulated Miss Gagblezu on her victory, describing it as not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the immense potential of the Volta Region.
Mr Gunu stressed the importance of promoting the region’s rich heritage and culture, pledging his continued support for the beauty queen in her role as a brand ambassador.
He said her position would help promote the culture of the people of Volta, including food, language and dressing, while inspiring young people in the region to cherish and preserve their roots.
The Regional Minister likened Volta’s cultural identity and values to “gold and jewellery,” noting that they were precious assets that must be safeguarded.
“You represent a brand — our brand as Voltarians. Our cultural identity is gold, jewellery; it is precious and something we must all protect. It is more than money,” he said.
Mr Gunu expressed confidence that Miss Gagblezu’s achievement would encourage young girls, especially in the Volta Region, to embrace their identity rather than shy away from it.
He revealed that his support for her journey throughout the pageant was driven by his belief that the region must benefit from its own talents.
“My personal commitment to this cause was borne out of the conviction that every good thing in this country must benefit the Volta Region. And if that good thing comes from Volta, it must benefit both the region and the entire nation,” he said.
The Minister assured Miss Gagblezu of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council’s collaboration and support, particularly towards the implementation of her project.
He noted that winning the crown placed a greater responsibility on her to serve as a role model to young girls across Ghana and to continue inspiring and motivating them.
Miss Gagblezu, who was accompanied by members of her team, expressed her profound gratitude to Mr Gunu for his unwavering support throughout her pageant journey.
She mentioned his lobbying efforts, encouragement and presence at key events, especially the grand finale, as instrumental to her success.
She said the Minister’s responsiveness and support, despite his busy schedule, demonstrated his commitment to the development of the Volta Region and its people.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Miss Gagblezu said her project, which focuses on early childhood education, was inspired by her personal experience of starting school at a late age.
She explained that the project would target underserved communities with limited educational infrastructure by building libraries and providing learning resources.
She said the initiative would also address child labour, transportation challenges faced by children who walk long distances or cross water bodies to school, and provide support for brilliant but needy children to access education.
Miss Gagblezu appealed to benevolent individuals, corporate organisations and education stakeholders to collaborate by donating educational materials, books and modern technology to support the initiative.
She emphasised the need for collective support to provide children with the resources necessary to attend school and excel academically.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Audrey Dekalu