50-Year-Old Woman Graduates From Varsity

THE ANKOBIA-Hemaa of Nwoase Traditional Area at Wenchi in the Brong Ahafo Region, Nana Adjeiwaa I is among students who graduated from the Catholic University College of Ghana, Fiapre last Saturday.

The mother of four children who are all graduates with two holding masters' degrees, defiled all odds and graduated in English major after four years of hardwork. The queen mother who beamed with smiles whilst receiving accolades from the school's authorities, other Nananom, friends and well wishers told DAILY GUIDE that she wanted to be a role model to young girls in the country and to encourage them that there is nothing beyond their reach if only they are determined and focused.

Nana Adjeiwaa who is currently a Teaching Assistant (TA) at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) said she was installed queen mother about ten years ago at Nwoase when she was a teacher with diploma certificate. She, however, has to drop the chalk due to her new role as queen mother but later decided to further her education by acquiring a degree aiming to teach at the tertiary level. Nanahemaa entered the university with her last born; Michael who will also graduate from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) this year. Nana said she is fluent in 14 Ghanaian and international languages and is currently studying French.

She admitted that going through the course was not easy but said by the dint of hard work and God's guidance and support from well wishers, she was able to finish the course. “Combining academic work with traditional role was not easy. Sometimes I would be invited for functions, I also play front role in my community and most times represent the Traditional Council in court but still have to do my assignments and attend lectures, it wasn't easy, I must confess.”

Nana Adjeiwaa said her mates took her as one of their equals and she also took them as her children saying there was no mockery whatsoever.

“I equally do my assignments like them. We walk together and do things in common like all students do. The only difference is that as a queen mother, I don't eat outside or at the canteen. I always eat in private and had a whole hostel to myself unlike the rest of the students who share hostels and rooms.”

As part of her ingenuity, Nana was able to link with the police to protect the school especially at night. Nana came to the graduation in her full regalia as a queen mother.

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FROM Daniel Y Dayee, Fiapre