Gifty Abena Awuni, a caterer and small business owner known for her warmth, resilience, and quiet generosity, passed away on November 4, 2025. She was 50.
Born on February 14, 1975, Gifty was the daughter of the late Done Adona. She lost both parents at an early age and was raised by her elder sister, the late Suzan Adona, whose care and guidance shaped her formative years. She began her education at Legon Staff Village School, where she completed her basic schooling and developed a strong sense of discipline and responsibility.
In 1992, driven by a clear sense of purpose, she enrolled in vocational school to train in catering. The period marked a turning point in her life. Alongside learning her trade, she deepened her Christian faith through active participation in church life and Bible study, values that would remain central to her identity.
Gifty married Stephen Awuni in 1994 at Charity Assemblies of God, the church where they worshipped and built their spiritual life together. The couple welcomed their first child, Stephanas, in 1996, followed by a daughter, Selina. Family remained the anchor of her life, even as she balanced the demands of work and home.
Her professional journey reflected both enterprise and service. She began modestly, running a small chop bar in front of her home, where her cooking quickly earned her respect and affection within the community. In 2003, she moved into institutional catering at the Mercy Islamic School canteen, a role she held for 13 years. For many pupils and staff, her meals were as memorable for their care as for their taste. After leaving the school in 2016, she continued to take private catering orders and explored new business opportunities, determined to remain productive and independent.
Those who knew Gifty remember her as selfless, hardworking, and deeply compassionate. She gave freely of her time and resources, often placing the needs of others before her own. Managing the roles of wife, mother, and entrepreneur, she became a quiet source of inspiration to many around her.
In 2023, she battled a serious illness and made a notable recovery, returning to work with renewed determination. Her death in November 2025 was sudden and unexpected.
Gifty Abena Awuni is remembered for a life defined by faith, perseverance, and generosity. Her legacy lives on in her family, her community, and the countless lives she touched through her work and kindness.
