The Management and Staff of the Ghana News Agency (GNA) Wednesday honoured Madam Joyce Asiedu Agyemfra, a former Secretary, for her immense contribution to the Agency during her 39 years of service.

She retired in May, this year, after attaining the compulsory retirement age of 60 years.

Until her retirement, she was the Secretary to the General Manager, having served in that capacity under previous managers.

Mr Albert Kofi Owusu, the General Manager, presented Madam Asiedu Agyemfra with a gift, a Citation, and an undisclosed amount of money.

At the brief send-off ceremony, Mr Owusu described her as the Agency’s “security intelligence” due to her understanding of its activities and expertise in keeping important documents and providing them when the need arose.

Having served the GNA for almost four decades, she was dedicated to duty, performing her role with the utmost professionalism, he said.

Mr Owusu said the retiree had been immensely helpful, especially when he first assumed office as the General Manager of the GNA in 2018.

“Auntie Joyce has been of immense help to me and the Board for the four years I have known her. She has advised me on a lot of issues and I’m really grateful for that,” he said.

Management continued to watch and appreciate the efforts of staff, despite the poor working conditions, Mr Owusu said and pledged the commitment to improving the working conditions of the Agency’s workforce.

“I want to assure staff that, as Management, we haven’t given up on making working conditions better for our staff.”

Mr Joseph Baffoe, the Director of Administration, commended Madam Agyemfra for her warm reception, hard work, and guidance, and prayed for good health and a fulfilled retirement.

Ms Agnes Boye-Doe, the Deputy Head of the Home Desk, said the Agency had benefited tremendously from the 39 years of service by Madam Agyemfra.

“Auntie Joyce, as we call her with affection, is always willing to give a listening ear to every challenge we approach her with. Her advice will be a guide in our efforts to achieve success in all departments, the Editorial not an exception,” she said.

Madam Agyemfra, on her part, commended Management for giving her the opportunity to serve the Agency and the country as a whole.

“I accept the gifts in good faith and I pray for long life and prosperity for all of us. May God continues to guide us in all our endeavours,” she added.

Mr Samuel Boateng, the Director, IT/Engineering, Mr Norbert Owusu Asenso, Director, Business, Madam Barbara Bernice Dodoo, Chief Administration Officer, Mr Henry Oduro, Engineering Department and Chairman of the CWU, Mr Moses Bawa, Chairman, PSWU, and Mr Daniel Aryeh, Senior Accountant, among other staff members, praised the retiree for her selflessness.