Founder and executive director of the Girls Education Initiative of Ghana (GEIG), Elizabeth Akua-Nyarko Patterson has been announced as the 2015 Vlisco Ambassador.

The month-long campaign by authentic Dutch brand Vlisco, was to honour women across Africa for their contribution to nation building and outstanding achievements and crowns the celebration of the International Women’s Day which was celebrated on March 8, 2015.

Elizabeth Patterson beat contenders Kokui Serlomey, co-host of Viasat One’s morning show ‘This Morning’ and a classical singer, and Valerie Labi-Okudzeto, Chief Executive Officer of Clean Team Ghana to win the coveted prize.

She takes over from Social Entrepreneur Eugenia Tachie-Menson, who won the 2014 edition of the Vlisco ‘Dare to Dream’ campaign.

As brand ambassador, Elizabeth will represent Vlisco and tell the story of the brand at various events. 

She will also be given free Vlisco fabrics and have the chance to visit the Netherlands and meet with colleague Ambassadors from other participating countries.

Elizabeth Patterson (m) with Kokui Serlomey and Valerie Labi-Okudzeto

On winning, the founder and director of the Girls Education Initiative of Ghana, which provides academic and financial support for girls, with a special focus on students with special needs, said “it’s a profound honour to be associated with the Vlisco brand and carry the torch from my predecessor, Eugenia Tachie-Menson, who performed her role so well.

“I am incredibly honoured to fill the shoes of such great women. I want to thank everyone who voted for me and I’m looking forward to the year ahead”, she added.

Constance Mensah of fashion label EfuaStanzz was announced as the winner of the Fashion Fund.

The programme serves as a platform for young and incredibly talented up-and coming-designers to showcase their creative abilities and compete for prizes designed to support them in living their dreams as fashion designers.

The event featured an amazing turnout of some of Ghana’s most prestigious dignitaries and celebrities like Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sherry Ayitey, singer Stephanie Benson and Chief Executive Officer of Sparrow Productions Shirley Frimpong-Manson.

The night featured performances from singer Gena West and multiple award-winning neo-soul vocalist Efya as well as the funky sounds of the Afro Maestro Orchestra, a group that combines African beats with traditional classical instruments in an incredible fusion. 

The young and talented singer Maame Esi and Heroes Dance Group also gave great performances at the show.