Profile of the Month: DCFO Cynthia Adjaklo – A Testament to the Power of Purpose and Perseverance.

In a world where determination, devotion, and divine timing come together, legacies are carved and history is made. One such legacy is that of Deputy Chief Fire Officer Cynthia Adjaklo, a woman whose extraordinary 41-year journey in the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) stands as a beacon of resilience, leadership, and pioneering spirit. From humble beginnings to becoming the first female Manager of the Port Fire and Safety Department, Cynthia’s story is a testament to the power of purpose and perseverance.

Early Life & Education
Born on July 8, 1965, in Sekondi in Ghana’s Western Region, Cynthia was the 5th and 7th child of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Maccarthy Bunyan. Her foundational years were shaped at Old Hospital and West Ridge Primary School, before attending Aburi Demonstration Middle School. She continued at Oda Senior Secondary School, where she shone as both an athlete and a student leader, holding two prefect roles: Entertainment and Agriculture.

She briefly attended Benkum Secondary and later completed her O’Level at Ada Secondary School. Her early years portrayed a vibrant, determined young woman with leadership already ingrained in her identity.

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A Journey of Growth at GPHA
Cynthia began her career at GPHA at just 18 years and 10 months, joining as an Administrative Clerk at the Port Operations Department on May 1, 1984. Her early years saw her navigating multiple departments, including a significant stint at the Mechanical and Civil Engineering Department post-redundancy in 1989. But in 1998, when she boldly requested a transfer to the Fire and Safety Section, her legacy truly began.

Despite entering the Fire/Safety department at the top of the junior staff rank, Cynthia’s unrelenting commitment to growth saw her rise steadily. In 2012, she successfully passed the Senior Officer Rank exams and interviews. Her promotion to Principal Fire/Safety Officer came in 2016. Then in 2023, she was elevated to a managerial position, culminating in her historic appointment as Port Fire/Safety Manager in February 2025, a role she gracefully held until her retirement on July 8, 2025.

Championing Excellence and Capacity Building
Cynthia’s curiosity was her catalyst. Despite starting in administration, she took it upon herself to learn typing at Segen Secretarial School and later earned her Senior Stenographer Secretary Certification. She mastered computer literacy and became a pivotal administrative pillar for her department.

In her quest to deepen her expertise, she studied Occupational Safety at GIMPA in 2021 and participated in several local and international training programs. She also served as 2nd Vice Chairwoman of the Junior Staff Union from 2002 to 2006, reflecting her commitment to leadership and worker representation.

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Faith, Family, and Conviction
DCFO Cynthia Adjaklo’s life is deeply rooted in faith and divine timing. She believes that everything happens by chance and time in God’s wisdom, and this conviction has been the anchor of her 41-year journey. One remarkable moment of spiritual insight came during her wedding, when she added “Favor” to her name, a name that, in her words, “has really worked for me in every aspect of my life.”

Her anchor scriptures—1 Corinthians 15:10 and Psalm 125—serve as constant reminders of God’s grace and protection. To her, life is about opening your eyes wide to see the avenues and opportunities God places before you and grabbing them with faith.

She affirms that paying your tithe, giving offerings, and doing good are key to unlocking God’s blessings, just as stated in Malachi. Through it all, she testifies: “God has been good to me all my life—for protecting, guiding my footsteps, and sustaining me.” Her journey, from a teenage clerk to the first female manager of her department, is nothing short of a divine orchestration.

Her favorite hymn, Methodist Hymn 427, “Through all the changing scenes of life,” reflects her enduring faith throughout every season.

Married to Mr. Paul Kodzo Nyavor Adjaklo, she is a proud mother of four and a nurturing guardian to many. Her impact reaches beyond the workplace into homes, hearts, and communities.

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A Life of Impact and Gratitude
Cynthia’s story is woven with threads of appreciation to God, her family, church, friends, colleagues, and mentors within the Fire/Safety Department. Her gratitude extends to all who journeyed with her, from Railway Quarters neighbors to parade commanders and the Naval Band.

As she prepares to bow out of active service, her life resounds with the lyrics of Methodist Hymn 427; Through all the changing scenes of life. Indeed, she has lived through many scenes, emerging stronger, wiser, and more impactful.

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DCFO Cynthia Adjaklo is not just the first in her role—she is exceptional. Her legacy is a torch that will continue to light the path for many women and men in safety, leadership, and service.