The Insignia Group, co-organizer of the 2012 Miss Universe Ghana beauty pageant has stripped last year’s winner of her title barely hours to the crowing of a new queen. Insignia in statement released Friday said the decision was necessitated by several interviews Gifty Ofori, winner of the 2012 pageant granted the media in the wake of allegations that she has not received her prizes which contravene the pageant’s laws. Gifty’s prize package publicised by last year’s organizers, Insignia Experience and RAC Group comprised an official car, accommodation for a year, participation in the 61st Miss Universe pageant in the US, a three-month internship at the United Nations (UN) in New York, and a presentation and modeling portfolio shot by celebrity photographer, Fadil Berisha in New York. She was also to receive a Samsung Note 2 phablet, four pages editorial spread in an international magazine, personal celebrity stylists in New York, Los Angeles and Accra and also management and representation by the Insignia Experience/RAC Group as well as a year of incredible experience of celebrity status and adventure. Till date, May 22, 2013, the beauty queen had only received the Samsung Galaxy phablet, represented Ghana at Miss Universe pageant in the US and also benefited from a photo shoot. Insignia in a statement copied Myjoyonline.com said: “In light of the series of unfortunate events and for flouting very specific clauses in the contract she willingly entered into with the organization, The Insignia Group has had to take the tough decision of stripping the current titleholder of her title as Miss Universe Ghana 2012.” “With immediate effect, Miss Gifty Ofori has been relieved of her title and duties as Miss Universe® Ghana 2012 as well as the privileges that go with her title and office. The title of Miss Universe Ghana 2012 is herewith voided and pronounced vacant,” the statement added. Organizers said in accordance to the rules stipulated in the 2012 Miss Universe Ghana Entry Form and Contract Agreement, Gifty is no longer entitled or permitted to use the title and position of “Miss Universe Ghana 2012” in anyway, and is also not in a position to allow the use of the title by anyone in reference to her. “She also forfeits all rights and claims to any benefits and privileges of the title,” the statement added. According to the organizers, The Insignia Group dealt in good faith with Miss Gifty Ofori and all parties involved and that Insignia has been dragged unnecessarily into this media debacle. The statement noted that, for more than 15 years, The Insignia Group has been dedicated to developing the potential of young Ghanaian women through industry-leading personal development programs and a very personal, hands-on approach. “The organization also invested substantial resources into ensuring the titleholders were given incredible opportunities to represent the country in the best light including: personal consultations with celebrity stylists in Los Angeles and New York; sourcing competition wardrobe from world-renown fashion designers; and enviable photo portfolios from celebrity photographers in New York – going far and beyond what any other Ghanaian pageant organization has ever done,” organizers said. Roberta Annan Consulting [RAC LLC], new organizers of the pageant, will be crowing a new queen Friday night at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel. Ten finalists - Akua, Albie, Ama, Emerald, Georgina, Hanniel, Helen, Mya, Olivia and Stacy - are vying for the crown this year.