Sally Monte Carlo (Right) speaking in an interview with Bola Ray (Left) in the early 2000s
Log on to any social media platform today, and you will be bombarded with pictures and posts from popular socialites and “slay queens” at high-end locations across the country.
Many attribute the rise of these socialites to the influence of social media, which has amplified their lifestyles and expanded their reach.
But long before the Instagram influencers and socialites of today, there was one woman who set the bar higher in the person of Sally Kankonaba Kleyn, popularly known as Sally Monte Carlo.
In 2008, the Ghanaian media space was awash with video interviews and stories about her. Known for her extravagant lifestyle, thriving businesses, and undeniable charisma, she was the epitome of luxury and success.
However, as quickly as she rose to fame, she disappeared from the limelight in a dramatic fall from grace.
Building the ‘Monte Carlo Empire’
In 2004, after years of shuttling between Ghana and Europe, Sally Monte Carlo returned to Accra with a vision to bring a touch of Monaco’s glamour and opulence to her homeland.
She established Monte Carlo Forever Fashion, a high-end fashion house located off Osu Oxford Street, catering to Accra’s elite.
The boutique offered luxury designer clothing and accessories, making it a favorite among Ghana’s wealthy and stylish.
Recognising the booming tourism industry in Ghana, Sally expanded her empire in 2006 by launching a bar, restaurant, and nightclub, all under the Monte Carlo brand.
The name “Monte Carlo” was no accident. In an interview reported by ModernGhana, she explained that she was inspired by the affluent Monaco suburb and wanted to replicate its aura of sophistication in Ghana.
“Everybody in Monaco lives an affluent lifestyle. There is so much class attached to the name itself,” she once revealed.
“I developed a taste for the finer things, and I wanted to bring that elegance to Ghana,” she added.
Her plush Monte Carlo Grande Café and its exclusive VIP private club quickly became hotspots for Accra’s crème de la crème, attracting celebrities, politicians, and business moguls.
Sally’s exquisite taste was evident in every aspect of her brand. From the authentic high-end furniture that adorned her establishments to the luxurious international designer outfits she wore including brands like Christian Dior, Gucci, and Roberto Cavalli, she embodied extravagance.
Yet, despite her love for European luxury, she never abandoned her roots.
She proudly showcased Ghanaian heritage by wearing premium African designs from Woodin and Kente, blending the best of both worlds.
Her lavish lifestyle extended beyond fashion. She owned a fleet of luxury vehicles, including; Hummer H2, Range Rover Sport (2007 model), Mercedes X-Class 500, Cadillac Escalade and more.
She resided in a $1 million mansion and was often spotted rubbing shoulders with high-profile individuals, including then-presidential aspirant Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Sally Monte Carlo had created a dream world of wealth and status, one that many admired and aspired to be part of.
The fall from grace
However, Sally’s glittering empire came crashing down in 2011/2012, when she was arrested in England for drug-related offenses.
Reports indicated that she was detained in England and later in the Netherlands, leading to her mysterious disappearance from Ghana’s social scene.
After spending several years in detention, she was eventually deported back to Ghana due to failing health.
Her once-flourishing businesses were shut down, and she was never seen or heard from again.
Sally Monte Carlo’s rise and fall remain one of Ghana’s most captivating cautionary tales which paints a picture of wealth, power, and the unforgiving consequences of poor choices.
Her dramatic exit from the public eye has left many wondering; Where is Sally Monte Carlo today?
ID/MA