Renowned Ghanaian public servant and stateswoman, Rev. Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee, was honoured by the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) and Achimota School as she marked the significant milestone of her 80th birthday.
The two-day celebration held on Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28 brought together dignitaries, clergy, alumni, and well-wishers to honour a life dedicated to service, leadership, and national development.
The first day of activities featured a Thanksgiving service hosted by ICGC Christ Temple East, with performances by Harmonious Chorale, who paid glowing tribute to her legacy of excellence, integrity, and mentorship. The General Overseer of ICGC, Dr. Mensa Otabil, shared inspiring words on her life and impact in both public service and ministry.
“We are very happy to celebrate such a wonderful person on this day. There is no conversation I have ever had with Auntie Joyce that leaves out Christ. She truly loves God,” he said.
The second day was marked by a grand reception at Achimota School, which organised a surprise gathering in her honour at the School Court along its eastern wing. The event celebrated her as a trailblazer and a role model whose life exemplifies discipline, humility, and purpose.
The occasion was further enlivened by captivating performances from Harmonious Chorale, who delivered a diverse repertoire of songs from different parts of the world.
In an address to students and staff of Achimota School, Rev. Dr. Aryee expressed heartfelt gratitude to God, her family, and all who have supported her journey. She described the institution as one that “births leaders and impact-makers” and encouraged students to maximise every opportunity the school offers while striving for excellence.
“If you are here as a student, don’t just pass through this school. This school has an ethos, and that ethos is to raise leaders—people who are trained to serve,” she stated.
She further urged students to be conscious of their lives as part of God’s purpose, especially during their time at Achimota School, and to commit themselves to service. Drawing from her own experience, she added:
“One thing about God is that He rewards service. Even if you go out of your way seeking acceptance, because you are serving Him, He will reward you. If anyone had told me I would be here today and receive so much favour, I would have doubted it. But when you willingly allow God to shape you, good things happen.”
In an interview with YFM, Rev. Dr. Aryee described the celebration as deeply fulfilling and reflective of the theme for her milestone, “Transformed by Grace.” She explained her decision to share the moment with students of Achimota School.
“I am so overwhelmed. I wanted the celebration of my 80th birthday to speak of the grace of God upon my life, and I wanted that grace to be shared. I am so grateful to God. I also wanted to give something to the school. Since we at Achimota are very musical, I decided to celebrate with them through music,” she said.
She emphasised that the quality of education students receive should not be taken for granted but embraced as a privilege.
“It is always important to remind them that education is a privilege. While it is a right, every right comes with responsibility. They must take up that responsibility and use what they have been given to make an impact in society,” she noted.
In a separate engagement, the Headmaster of Achimota School, Ebenezer Graham Acquah, stated that Rev. Dr. Aryee’s life is a testament to the excellence of the institution, adding that the school was honoured to celebrate with her.
“Achimota School is a great school, and many can attest to that. To see one of our own return to her roots to mark this special occasion is truly remarkable,” he said.
Educated at Achimota School and later at the University of Ghana, Rev. Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee built a strong academic foundation that shaped her path in public service.
She went on to break barriers as a leading figure in Ghanaian politics under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) administration of the late Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings as the first female Minister for Information and years after moved into Ghana’s mining sector, becoming one of the first women to head the Ghana Chamber of Mines. Her career has been marked by excellence in leadership, governance, and advocacy. Through her work in ministry and national development, she has left a lasting legacy of service, integrity, and transformational impact.
