By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) has hosted a colourful farewell ceremony for Mariyam Lorba Konneh, Sierra Leone’s representative at the Miss World 2026 pageant, scheduled to take place in Vietnam this September.
The event, organized by MTCA, brought together government officials, cultural leaders, representatives from the creative industry and other stakeholders to celebrate Konneh’s journey and rally national support ahead of the global competition.
Serving as master of ceremonies, Emmanuel A.B. Turay, Head of Public Affairs and Communications at MTCA, described Konneh as an embodiment of the grace, resilience and creativity of Sierra Leone.
He noted that her participation goes beyond beauty, providing an opportunity to showcase Sierra Leone’s culture, heritage and national identity on an international stage. Turay added that Konneh’s representation aligns with MTCA’s broader strategy of promoting Sierra Leone as a tourism destination and attracting investment into the sector.
Dr. Adonis Aboud, Chairman of Miss Sierra Leone Limited, said the farewell ceremony demonstrated that Sierra Leonean women can confidently compete and excel on global platforms.
“Mariyam carries the hopes of young women who aspire to lead, inspire and transform society,” he stated.
Josephine Kamara, Director General of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), described Konneh as a symbol of the country’s growing creative potential. She encouraged Sierra Leoneans, particularly young people using digital platforms, as well as citizens in the diaspora, to support Konneh’s participation.
Kamara explained that strong diaspora engagement could help amplify Konneh’s message, strengthen Sierra Leone’s global visibility and create opportunities for other young talents in the creative and modelling industries.
In her remarks, Konneh expressed gratitude to the Government of Sierra Leone, sponsors and citizens for their support. She pledged to represent the country with dignity, pride and passion throughout the competition.
“This is not just my journey; it is our collective story of resilience and beauty,” she said, while appealing for continued national support.
The ceremony also underscored the government’s commitment to using international platforms to promote Sierra Leone’s image as a destination for eco-tourism, cultural heritage and creative industries.
Officials described the farewell as both a celebration of national identity and a demonstration of unity as Sierra Leone prepares to showcase its culture and talent on the Miss World 2026 stage.