In a bid to pick the face of the Modelling Union of Ghana, MODUGA with the support of Ghana Cultural Forum and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts organized an event, to help pick a face for the union and also to train and coach models, the Models were taken through a series of training and photoshoots, with talks from modelling agencies and fashion personalities.
The event was modeled to quip them with the knowledge to negotiate, secure opportunities, and get paid what they truly deserve.
Mr.Courage Kwashie, travel consultant and national orgarnizer of MODUGA speaking on the event said that, they as MODUGA are representing the interest of the models. He said; “ We are here to represent the voice of the models in Ghana. There’s a lot of hitches in the industry where we are taking the steps to put a lot in order so that we can speak for the models or take care of whatever hitches that has been in the industry for long.”
Madam Beatrice ‘Bee’ Arthur, the current Fashion Domain Leader at the Ghana Culture Forum (GCF) and a global well known fashion designer for her works in the fashion industry, also spoke in address to issues relating to the industry. She said; Generally, like with most industries, we don’t pay models adequately. So even us, the designers, sometimes because we don’t have enough funds, we try to negotiate and pay a little more as possible.”
She also added it is important that MODUGA exists now, providing the models with what the need in the industry, stressing that it helps protect the models, giving them guidance as well. “MODUGA now exist to protect them and to give them guidance, making sure they are not exploited locally and outside,” she said. Speaking to some Models, they also shared their aspirations and hope in the modeling industry.
Models at the event equally shared thier thoughts. Shidat said, “Modeling has been part of me since childhood. I have the passion for it, and also I’m a fashion designer. When it comes to modeling agency or names of top models in Ghana or beyond, I want to become one of them”.
Another said; “You being a model, it gives you the opportunity to meet big people. You get more opportunities to see what you’ve not seen before, be where you’ve not been to before.”
Emmanulla, one of the models also shared her vision in the modelig industry, saying “so in the next five years, I want to see myself doing greater things than where I am now, I would like to be one of the best models in the model agencies. I want to see myself in adverts, billboards, and on television.
The Models largely are however inspired by passion, creativity, and the dream of being seen.
Mr. Richard Yaw Boateng, prseident of Film Directors Guild Ghana, also commented on the event, calling for more training and investment in the sector. He said, “They are passionate about it. They need to be trained in capacity building, as we call it, so that a lot of the youth who are coming into the industry will have basic knowledge about modeling. It’s not just a fanfare. It’s a profession, It’s a business in the showbiz industry. And we need more knowledge and more investments in that sector to develop it.” He further added that he hopes to see a better modeling industry in 2025.
Models of the face of MODUGA event also encouraged Ghanaians to wear and represent Ghana.
