Roselyn Akosua Mantey, a Ghanaian make-up artist, has placed Ghana on the global map by setting a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for the Longest Make-Up Application Marathon.
Clocking an extraordinary 103 hours, 25 minutes, and 33 seconds, Roselyn shattered the previous record of 24 hours, turning what many had dismissed as a “frivolous” exercise into a statement of national potential.
The feat, while gaining widespread attention online, has reignited conversations about the role of Ghana’s creative sector and the lack of institutional support it receives.
In her post-record remarks, Roselyn emphasized that while the applause is welcome, what the sector needs more urgently is strategic support from stakeholders, the government, and the private sector.
According to her, global recognition such as this should not end with headlines—it should be a launching pad for meaningful investment and policy reform.
“When people search for the record holder in this category (make-up), all eyes turn to Ghana. That is visibility which boosts our creative space and puts us on the global map,” Roselyn noted. “Achieving this record proves Ghanaian creatives are capable of global excellence.”
She urged policymakers to leverage such moments of international spotlight to influence national dialogue around infrastructure development, talent financing, and educational reform within the creative arts sector.
Roselyn believes such an approach would redefine public perception and present the arts as a viable tool for national branding and empowerment—not just entertainment.
Roselyn also used the opportunity to highlight the economic potential of the beauty industry, particularly in Ghana. While the make-up industry is a multi-billion-dollar segment globally—spanning film production, special effects, bridal and fashion styling—Ghana’s sector remains under-recognized and underfunded.
“Make-up artistry is a lucrative field in other countries. The sector contributes significantly to their economies—not just through beauty services but also in areas such as special effects and film production,” she said, calling for a deliberate national push to reframe the sector’s value.
Roselyn’s historic achievement comes at a time when Ghana’s creative industry is undergoing a gradual awakening, with sporadic initiatives being launched to support musicians, filmmakers, fashion designers, and visual artists.
