Kamelia Kargbo, a 60-year-old from Aberdeen Community, won the 2024 Dorwontony Organization for the Aged (DOFA) Miss Old is Gold Beauty Pageant held at the Freetown City Council Auditorium, which included participants from Yams Farm, Congo Town, Aberdeen, Susan’s Bay, and Kroobay.

The event celebrated the importance of honoring the elderly rather than merely crowning a winner.

Chief Judge Ambassador Soulay Daramy noted that all contestants were winners deserving recognition for their societal contributions.

Father Peter Kanteh, DOFA’s Board Chairman, highlighted the need for respecting and prioritizing seniors in public spaces and called for practices like those in other countries that grant the elderly special privileges.

Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, commended the event for honoring those positively impacting society and encouraged younger generations to engage with their elders.

Awards were given to outstanding contestants: Kadie Johnson from Yams Farm won Miss Personality, Isatu Bongo Sesay from Susan’s Bay received the Miss Talent title, Aminata Sesay from Kroobay was the second runner-up, and Jebbeh Conteh from Congo Town was the first runner-up.

The event culminated in Kamelia Kargbo being crowned DOFA’s Miss Old is Gold 2024, symbolizing a renewed appreciation for the contributions of the elderly.

DOFA remains committed to advocating for the elderly’s rights and dignity, aiming for a society where age is celebrated and wisdom honored.