Mother's day: “ABAATAN MBO”

Today, I feel privileged to wish all “Abaatan” (mothers) in Ghana a very, very restful and happy Mothers' Day. Today is the day we remember what mothers mean to individuals – children, fathers and the entire community. In a country like Ghana where poverty in all its forms abounds, it is not easy to be a mother. Every mother wants the best for their children. So we know mothers who sell their best cloth so that their children can go to school. We know mothers who will move heaven and earth to find money to get the medicine their children need to get well. Our mothers suffer in the markets, on the farm, at the office and everywhere as they juggle work and home responsibilities. They are the ones to entertain and keep the home happy. They sometimes make magic happen when all hope is lost. But often, we do not appreciate what they do.

Today, as we try to bring the change we need in Ghana, I especially wish our mothers to put their hopes in the future. As sure as the sun will shine tomorrow, we will all work to make our country an easier place to raise a family. When education is made free, continuous and compulsory, when we take care of preventable diseases like malaria, when jobs are available for our youth, the job of our mothers will be made easier.

“Abaatan” in Ghana deserve better, we know. But today, let all mothers put aside their worries, stress and sorrows and get a good rest and enjoy the day. Tomorrow will be better. The sun will shine.

“Abaatan mbo. Ayikoo!!”

God bless our homeland Ghana.

Awake Ghana!

PAPA KWESI NDUOM
May 13, 2012