Happy 40th Ama Opoku-Agyemang!!!

Where do I start on this dear sister of mine?! I really could write several articles. Let me start at the beginning then. Ama is the second half of the duo to whom I owe my full blown feminist awakening and identity. I met her the same day I met Efe Plange through a Facebook post in early 2017. From that day, I just knew I had to get to know her better. About 8 years later, I’m forever grateful for that special day. Ama became one of my favorite and forever sisters soon after.

It was a special moment in my life following the death of my guiding light a few months prior. I remember feeling so lost during that time. I had become a blank slate trying to navigate and figure out life without my mom in it. I’m eternally grateful I fell into Ama and Efe’s hands at the time. I shudder to think of what may have happened if I met women who were their complete opposites during such a vulnerable time for me. They were concrete proof to me that my mother was somehow still looking out for me in the life beyond earth.

Ama is one of the sweet big sisters I’ve ever wanted. Growing up as an only child, I didn’t have that privilege of one during my formative years but the beauty of adulthood is getting to choose the people you consider family. She’s been that for me since we met. Naturally very nurturing and empathetic, Ama has directly been a positive influence over my life. She is one of the kindest people I have ever met; always thinking about others and their needs. You can always count on Ama to care and stand up for people who need support in different capacities. Simply put, she has a heart for people.

That’s one of the reasons I was drawn to her. In her kindness (and great fashion sense I might add), she reminded me so much of my mom. She could’ve easily been one of her daughters. The greatest qualities my mom possessed, I saw in Ama quite easily and always wish they got to meet in this lifetime. Ama is caring and compassionate in ways that seem rare now in terms of authenticity. Her character is genuine and nothing about her is a front.

Don’t get me started on her accomplishments. She’s easily one of my highest achieving sisters who inspires me to dream big and make things happen in this life. She is a Cambridge educated Doctor of Pharmacy who lectures at the University of Ghana’s School of Pharmacy (as Dr. Thelma Ohene-Adjei) and is one of the rising leaders in her field. You may also recognize her as one of the Quiz Mistresses for Ghana’s National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), a role she’s been slaying for a few years now.

It’s been a delight seeing her shine in this particular role as she serves as a mentor to the young brilliant minds she engages ESPECIALLY the girls. She’s a great representation for what they can aspire to become and she takes a very keen interest in their academic and career development. Many of the students stay in touch with her and seek her wise counsel in navigating their lives beyond high school. It’s been quite refreshing seeing their growth and achievements beyond the competition. I’m really proud of Ama for being a great mentor to young girls in particular. When you consider that women are usually underrepresented in STEM, you immediately recognize how critical her influence is to the future of young girls. Side note: she’s the reason I and many others know about the magnificent force that was Wangarĩ Maathai and aspire to her audacity, ingenuity, and sheer brilliance.

Ama’s mentorship doesn’t stop at young minds. Her wisdom is something we her friends and sisters all lean on in tough situations. You can always count on Ama to be there for you without judgement. She’s also one of the few people who really know how to correct you in LOVE and with CARE when you are wrong. She gets you to consider the impact of your actions on others and guides you towards making the right choices in tricky situations. It can get overwhelming being a role model to many even when she has not asked to be, but Ama carries it with grace and makes it look easy.

On a more personal note, I appreciate Ama so much for all her love and support over the years. She’s one of the few I can count on to make a big deal about my birthday. I’m always guaranteed a special birthday lunch with her at a great restaurant and it’s one of the highlights of my birthdays that I most look forward to each year. She’s also one of my favorites when it comes to gifts. She picks some of the most thoughtful and absolute best and they leave a lasting impression. And oh, my fur baby Mäshké loved her right away!

Lastly, Ama also inspires in her private life. She’s a terrific wife to her husband Kwabena and phenomenal mother to two adorable and brilliant boys, Kwesi and Kweku. Watching her mother her kids is such a treat. I know they are destined for greatness given who their parents are. Their family is a testimony of pure love. Beyond her immediate family, Ama is also a wonderful auntie and godmother to many. She’s also a great big sister to her biological sister and I love the way she bigs her up always!

At 40, I know the best is yet to come. Every accomplishment has been a precursor to the incredible legacy she will leave behind one day.

Ama, happy, happy 40th! May this new year, decade, and beyond be marked by tremendous blessings in every facet of your life. May all your greatest wishes and dreams come true and may they manifest in ways that totally blow your mind. May you continue to be a force for change and positive influence to multitudes. Love you so much!

AG