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Mrs Gifty Dansoah Appiah – raising the next generation of God-fearing children
It has always been the wish of every good mother to properly cater for her children financially and spiritually. This is what Mrs Gifty Appiah is doing.
For 20 years, Mrs Appiah has been working to create a safe environment for children to thrive and achieve their dreams.
She began her career as a Programmes Officer of African Centre for Human Development. Today, she serves in her new role as the National Director of Compassion International Ghana, a Christian Child Advocacy Organisation at Madina, Accra.
Mama Gifty, as many call her, partners some government agencies and civil society organisations to reach out to deprived children, especially those in the rural communities.
She had previously performed similar functions at other non-governmental organisations and has been steering the affairs of Compassion International for the past three years.
Journey
Mrs Dansoah Appiah, speaking to The Spectator, admitted that it had not been easy in her pursuit to meet the needs of the less-privileged in the community she operates.
She said that notwithstanding the challenges, the non-governmental organisation was determined to extend support to hard-to-reach areas, as it had taken upon itself to reduce poverty, increase access to education and mitigate the impact of sexual violence against young girls.
Poverty, discrimination and other forms of inequalities, she noted, had denied thousands of children their right to education while thousands of children under five years still died from preventable diseases in this nation.
“This and many other factors are the reasons for my relentless efforts to embark on a mission to create a better future for these children.
“I wake up every day, I dream every night about what we are going to do to protect and support our young children in the country and the world as a whole. But in all this, we are able to get them by the grace of God,” she said.
Compassion International
Apart from its corporate social responsibility (CSR), Compassion International has partnered local churches to deliver holistic child development interventions to children and the youth, and to address the cognitive, spiritual, physical and socio-emotional needs of young people.
Operating with the tagline: ‘Releasing Children from Poverty in Jesus’ Name’ , Mrs Dansoah Appiah was impressed that their benevolent spirit was helping to transform the lives of children for the better.
“We want our children to grow up to become responsible Christian adults and serve as agents of transformation in communities they find themselves. We ensure that every child we serve is loved and protected. Children are precious gifts of God, and if we serve them we are, by extension, serving God,” she stressed.
Expressing delight in the positive and efficient role she continued to play at Compassion International, Mrs Appiah called on well-meaning individuals and other non-governmental organisations not to relent in their effort to lessen the plight of needy children.
Impact
Mrs Dansoah Appiah said that Compassion International had contributed a total amount of about GH₵200,000.00 to the COVID-19 Fund, Ghana Health Service and Noguchi Memorial Institute to help combat the spread of the disease.
“We have provided targeted food response to our beneficiary households to the tune of GH₵ 1.8 million. We have also provided face masks for all our beneficiaries amounting to GH₵ 1.2 million,” she noted.
This, she explained, was done through the benevolence of individuals, church and other foreign donors based in the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Germany, and Switzerland.
Education
Mrs Dansoah Appiah holds Master of Science (MSc) Degree in Transportation Planning and Policy from the University of Newcastle, UK, and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Planning from the University of Ghana. She is a product of Aburi Girls’ Secondary School in the Eastern Region.
As the former Acting Country Director of World Vision Ghana between 2014 and 2015, she was recognised for her innovation and contribution to child well-being and poverty reduction due to her exemplary leadership. Early this year, she won the prestigious International Nobles Award for ‘Men and Women of Integrity’.
The mother of four said that being a leader was a privilege which she did not ” take lightly”, because it was not everybody who came from a rich home and that she would continue to be a role model for the youth.
“I like the opportunity Compassion International offers me to contribute to this noble cause. I must always be the voice for the voiceless and reflect the Christian values in me as a follower of Jesus Christ,” she added.
Advice
Mrs Dansoah Appiah advised the youth to remain patient in life and steadily work towards their goals “since with God, everything is possible”.
“Life is not a competition. We are all uniquely created by God and He has space for each of us in this life. Identify your life purpose, work towards it with integrity, sacrifice and discipline. Surround yourself with quality people who make positive contribution towards your goal,” she said.
Mrs Dansoah Appiah, who hails from Kwahu Asakraka in the Eastern Region, is married to Apostle Samuel Otu Appiah, Head of the Winneba Area Head of the Church of Pentecost. They have four children who are Dr Jedidiah, Joel Otu, Jaydrein and Janel.
By Geoffrey Buta
In a world where stories shape perceptions and influence change, Michelle Eyram Yorgbe, stands out as a compelling voice dedicated to using media as a tool for transformation.
An accomplished journalist and filmmaker, her journey is one marked by excellence, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to social impact.
Eyram’s story begins at Mawuli Secondary School, where her passion for the arts and communication first took root.
Even at a young age, she exhibited a deep curiosity about the world around her and a desire to tell stories that matter. This early interest would later blossom into a purposeful career in media and storytelling.
Her academic path led her to the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI), where she pursued a Diploma in Film Directing and Script Writing.
At NAFTI, Eyram honed her creative instincts, learning to craft narratives that not only entertain but also educate and inspire.
Her training laid a strong foundation, equipping her with the technical and artistic skills needed to excel in the dynamic world of film and media.
Driven by a desire to engage more deeply with public discourse, Eyram continued her education at the University of Media, Arts and Communication – Institute of Film and Television (UniMAC-IFT), where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism.
Her dedication and discipline quickly set her apart. She graduated with First Class Honours and was named the Overall Best Student of UniMAC-IFT in 2024, a remarkable achievement that underscored her commitment to excellence.
But she’s not one to rest on her laurels. After that feat, Eyram advanced to the University of Media, Arts and Communication – Institute of Journalism (UniMAC-IJ) for her Master’s degree in Journalism. Once again, she distinguished herself academically, graduating as the Valedictorian of her cohort with an outstanding Final Grade Point Average of 3.94.
“It’s a big honour to graduate as the Overall Best Graduating student with an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.94 in the MA in Journalism,” she shared her joy with The Spectator.
“What makes it even more beautiful was coming out as the Valedictorian on two occasions. I am so proud. This would, however mean nothing without a direct impact of this on society,” she said.
Her academic journey reflects not only intellectual brilliance but also a relentless pursuit of growth and impact.
In 2025, Eyram’s excellence gained international recognition when she was selected for further studies in Norway through a partnership between UniMAC-IJ and NLA University College under the Erasmus Mundus Mobility Programme.
This opportunity marked a significant milestone, allowing her to expand her horizons, engage with global perspectives, and refine her craft on an international stage.
Yet, beyond her impressive academic achievements, what truly defines Eyram is her heart for service.
She is deeply committed to advocacy and social development, particularly in championing gender equity and supporting marginalised communities.
Her passion for making a difference has seen her actively involved in community initiatives that bring tangible change to people’s lives.
As a volunteer with the Ghanaian Heritage Organisation, an NGO founded by members of the Ghanaian diaspora, Eyram played a pivotal role in community development projects across the Volta Region. Notably, she contributed to efforts that provided boreholes to underserved villages, bringing clean and accessible water to communities in need.
As the organisation’s only member based in Ghana, her role was both unique and impactful, bridging the gap between local needs and diaspora support.
Her commitment to social change is further reflected in her role as a co-founder of the Dreams Impact Foundation, an initiative she established alongside her sisters.
Through this foundation, Eyram has offered support to vulnerable groups by distributing sanitary products to schoolgirls and prison inmates, while also providing essential items to widows in disadvantaged communities.
These acts of compassion demonstrate her belief that storytelling must go hand in hand with action.
Outside her professional and humanitarian work, Eyram is an avid reader and a lover of films. These passions continue to enrich her perspective, shaping her understanding of narratives and reinforcing her dedication to telling stories that resonate and inspire.
As she steps into the next phase of her journey, she remains steadfast in her mission—to use journalism and storytelling as powerful tools for advocacy, social transformation, and amplifying the voices of the unheard.
Her story is not just one of personal success, but of purpose, a reminder that when talent meets passion and service, the result is truly transformative.
Indeed, Eyram is not only telling stories; she is changing lives, one narrative at a time through storytelling and service.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
In the world of sports, athletes often take center stage while the role of officials remains equally critical, yet less celebrated.
One Ghanaian is steadily changing that narrative. He is Aziz Adimah, a dedicated hockey umpire whose journey from the school field to the international arena reflects passion, resilience, and purpose.
Aziz Adimah’s story with hockey began during his secondary school days. Introduced to the sport in his second year by a peer tutor, what started as a casual interest quickly evolved into a lifelong commitment.
After completing school, he continued playing actively, but by 2008, he made a defining decision to pursue officiating seriously.
That decision marked the beginning of a remarkable turn in his sports journey.
While many athletes aspire to reach the pinnacle as players, Aziz recognised a different path to longevity and impact in the sport. According to him, playing careers especially at the national level can be short-lived, often limited to a few major tournaments.
Officiating, however, offered a broader horizon.
Through umpiring, Aziz found an opportunity not only to stay connected to the sport but also to rise through the global ranks. His dedication has since earned him a place on the international stage, where he proudly represents Ghana.
One of Aziz’s greatest motivations is the honour of representing his country internationally. Having officiated in global competitions, including World Cup qualifiers, he describes the experience as both humbling and inspiring.
Among his most memorable moments was officiating a high-intensity match between Pakistan and England during a World Cup qualifying tournament.
The pace, skill, and tactical depth of the game left a lasting impression on him and reinforced his passion for the profession.
“Being alone on that stage, representing your country is a special kind of pride,” he reflects.
Like every profession, umpiring comes with its own set of challenges. For Aziz, two stand out: logistics and performance expectations.
Unlike players who often benefit from structured team support, umpires must sometimes navigate limited resources, including travel logistics. Additionally, officials are expected to perform at standards higher than the level of play in their home countries which required constant learning, exposure, and adaptation to global trends.
Another major challenge lies in decision-making under pressure. Aziz recounts a particularly difficult moment when, as a video referee, he had to review footage and make a call that resulted in a player receiving a yellow card and a ten-minute suspension.
“In such moments, you know that if you get it wrong, it affects the entire game,” he explains.
Umpiring demands sharp judgment, often within split seconds. Aziz emphasises that fans and players must understand the intensity of this responsibility.
“The umpire processes everything in a split second. Sometimes you get it right, sometimes you don’t but the pressure is always there.”
Fortunately, he highlights the strong support system within the hockey hierarchy; from coaches to technical teams which provides room for reflection, learning, and growth.
Beyond officiating, Aziz is deeply committed to developing hockey in Ghana.
He runs an academy that focuses on nurturing young talent, with programmes for both youth and university students.
Currently, the academy trains players under 20 and is expanding its reach within tertiary institutions.
His goal is to build a strong pipeline of talent while also promoting officiating as a viable pathway in the sport.
However, he notes a significant gap in female participation, particularly in umpiring.
Efforts are underway to intentionally recruit and mentor more women into officiating roles, including collaborations with schools and international professionals.
Outside the hockey field, Aziz maintains a professional career, balancing work responsibilities with his demanding schedule as an umpire.
He credits his workplace –Promasidor Ghana Limited, for being supportive, allowing him to travel for international assignments.
Despite the challenges, he considers hockey not just a profession, but a form of leisure; something he genuinely enjoys.
Currently serving on the international panel just below the elite level, Aziz is determined to climb higher.
His immediate goal is to secure the required assessment scores to qualify for the top-tier panel, which would enable him to officiate at prestigious events such as the World Cup and the Olympic Games.
Driven by ambition, he hopes to become one of the first Ghanaian umpires to reach that level.
To young people considering a career in hockey officiating, Aziz offers both encouragement and realism. While the profession may not yet provide full financial security, it offers exposure, growth, and the chance to make a mark globally.
With structural improvements expected in international hockey, he believes the future holds greater opportunities for umpires worldwide.
A husband and father of two, Aziz Adimah embodies balance, discipline, and vision. His journey is not just about personal achievement but about elevating Ghana’s presence in international hockey.
Through every whistle blown and every decision made, he continues to inspire a new generation proving that sometimes, the most powerful impact in sports comes not from scoring goals, but from ensuring the game is played right.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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