Gifty Affenyi-Dadzie - The renaissance woman
Whenever and wherever she takes up the mantle of leadership, she performs her role so passionately that each time she makes history.
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About 21 years ago, Mrs Gifty Affenyi-Dadzie was elected the first female President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and made history right there for contesting the highest position in a male-dominated profession and winning admirably.
In her first interview after her feat, Mrs Affenyi-Dadzie pledged to put up a permanent secretariat for the GJA and she worked so hard to ensure that that became a reality, with the kind assistance of the then Kufuor government, which donated a bungalow to the association for that purpose.
Indeed, as part of her achievements as President of the GJA, Gifty raised the image of the inky fraternity so high that the membership of the association became so proud of her legacy and to date refer to her selfless sacrifice in achieving so much during her tenure.
Little wonder that Gifty was elected the President of the GJA for an unprecedented three terms – making history again in her beloved profession.
Under her presidency, many members who did not show much interest in GJA activities got more involved, making the association vibrant.
Mrs Affenyi-Dadzie never ceases to attribute her sterling performance as President of the GJA to her predecessor, Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere, from whom she says she learnt a lot while she served as the Vice-President of the association.
When later she took a leadership position in Aglow International as the National Prayer Director, she and the other executive members lifted their service to God and country to a very high level, sacrificing their time and money every month to pray for the nation.
Every third Saturday of each month, the wailing women meet to intercede for the nation and persistently lift up the needs and concerns of Ghana unto the Lord.
Today, the intercessory prayers of the Aglow Women are well known to citizens across the country because at the helm of affairs is a strong woman who ensures that whatever she sets out to do is done excellently.
Incidentally, on Saturday, June 17, 2017 as the Aglow Women met for their usual prayer sessions, Mrs Affenyi-Dadzie turned 60 years — a life that she has so gracefully put at the disposal of others, as she has mentored many from diverse backgrounds and supported a countless number of people to realise their potential and dreams.
It was probably in recognition of her devotion to duty and acumen that she was appointed to serve on the Council of State during President Kufuor’s regime.
As she puts it, her strongest supporter and critic is her husband, Mr K. T. Dadzie, a businessman, who continues to provide invaluable advice and encouragement throughout her work and service to God.
Watching from afar, one can recognise that what resonates deeply with Gifty is her love for God, doing His bidding and her contribution to society, therefore, stays focused, fearless but humble.