Elder Godfried Yaw Afari, affectionately called “GY” by his wife and children, was born on 2nd February 1938 at Ahwerase-Akwapim in the Eastern Region of Ghana to Opanyin Kwaku Owusuand Madam Akua Owusua all of blessed memory.

When GY was only two years old, his father passed away. He was lovingly raised by his paternal grandmother, Nana Boadua, as his mother later remarried.

GY began his early education at Ahwerase and later completed Middle School Form Four at Obosomase, both in the Eastern Region. In 1957, he worked briefly as a labourer at the Aburi Botanical Gardens, marking the start of a lifelong journey characterized by diligence and resilience.

In 1967, GY married his beloved wife, Madam Rose Afua Akuffubea, at Ahwerase. Their union was blessed with five children:

1. Barbara Boadua Afari
2. Albert Owusu Afari
3. Samuel Agyei Afari
4. Emmanuel Owusu Afari
5. Isaac Darko Afari

He was further blessed with 13 grandchildren — Capt Rejoice Borley Annang, Bernard Bortey Annang , Anna Akuffubea Owusu-Afari, Lois Afaribea Owusu Afari, Sheila Afaribea Agyei-Afari, Aaron Akuffu Agyei-Afari, Ezra Selasi Agyei-Afari, Emmanuela Owusu-Afari, Patrick Owusu-Afari, Samuel Agyei Afari, Kezia Darko-Afari, Peniel Darko-Afari, and Joel Darko-Afari — and two great-grandchildren, Jayden Awimbarika and Jadiah Awimpan.

GY’s spiritual journey defined much of his life. He gave his life to Christ in 1958 and was baptized at Winneba in the Central Region. A devoted member of The Church of Pentecost, he served faithfully in various leadership roles, first as Deacon and later as Elder.

He chaired the Building Committee of the Nungua Central Church of Pentecost (later known as Agnes Boahema Assembly) and also served as District Marriage Committee Chairman. His other roles included:

1. District PEMEF (Pentecost Men’s Fellowship)
2. Local Financial Secretary
3. Witness Movement Executive Member
4. Women’s Ministry Patron
5. Local Welfare Committee Chairman

GY was known for his diligence, humility, and steadfast devotion to God’s work. He rarely missed a church service, not even mid-week gatherings, and was admired for his short but impactful sermons.

Elder Afari was a man of few words, calm, thoughtful, and a good listener. Many who knew him fondly described him as “an angel among men.” He was deeply humble, kind-hearted, and gentle in spirit.

He loved nature and enjoyed watching David Attenborough documentaries, often sharing his appreciation for God’s creation. Above all, he cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren, imparting wisdom and love.

GY celebrated both his 70th and 80th birthdays in grand thanksgiving, surrounded by his family. In 2017, one of his lifelong dreams came true when he visited the United Kingdom to spend time with his son and tour places of interest.

Within his extended family, GY served as Head of the Afari Kwadwo Clan. He was known for his consistent presence at all meetings and his genuine concern for family members. He often called relatives to check on them, and when they visited, Papa Afari ensured they were well-fed and comfortable, even in his wife’s absence. His generosity and love knew no bounds.

GY’s professional path reflected his strong work ethic and devotion to craftsmanship. He first apprenticed as a carpenter under one Mr. P. K. Vanderpuye at Akim Apedwa. When his master left the trade, he returned to Ahwerase before taking up tailoring under his cousin, the late Samuel Owusu, at Anyinasu-Tepa Ahafo. Together, they worked in Senchi before moving to Accra to further develop their trade.

Eager to refine his skills, GY trained under Mr. Eric Nar Cartenor, a London-trained tailor based in Adabraka, Accra, where he mastered the art of sewing suits, especially coats. After two years, he became a Master Tailor, first in partnership at Kokomlemle, then independently at Kotobabi, where he established his own workshop and trained many apprentices.

In 1974, GY moved his business to Nungua, and in 1991, he finally settled at Lashibi, a suburb of Tema, where he lived and worked for the rest of his life.

After a long illness borne with remarkable strength and grace, Elder Godfried Yaw Afari was called to eternal rest on 31st August 2025 at the 37 Military Hospital, aged 87 years.

He will always be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, skilled tailor, mentor, and above all, a faithful servant of God.

“GY, you have fought the good fight.”

We are comforted that you now rest in the presence of King Jesus.

Until we meet again on that glorious day,

Papa Afari, Rest in Peace.

Da Yiye! Damirifa Due!