By Dzifa Tetteh Tay
On Sunday, May 11, Ghanaians will celebrate many mothers to appreciate the love and sacrifices they have made over the years in raising their children.
Usually, the focus is on women who have had biological children, with little or no attention given to those who, although they may not have had children of their own, have helped to raise and care for others.
One such woman is 80-year-old Gifty Akuyo Anumah, who was childless in her marriage for 45 years, yet took care of other people’s children, making her a mother figure in the lives of many.
She said while she waited for her turn to become a mother, which unfortunately never happened, she chose not to be bitter or frustrated. Instead, she dedicated herself to helping raise responsible children in her community.
She made this disclosure in an interview on Tuesday in Ashaiman, as part of a message of hope to women who do not yet have children, ahead of Mother’s Day on Sunday.
A resident of Odumase-Krobo in the Eastern Region, Mrs. Anumah said that despite her unwavering faith and prayers, motherhood remained an elusive dream. However, that did not stop her from showing love and affection to children in need.
Her eyes sparkled as she proudly recalled how, over the years, she had taken care of as many as 17 children, providing them with both material and emotional support.
“In fact, one of those children was a five-month-old baby who had lost his mother and had been abandoned by his father. I didn’t know him or his parents, but when I heard the story, I couldn’t just look away, so I decided to take on that responsibility,” she said.
Mrs. Anumah explained that the issue of who should care for the baby had created tension between the baby’s paternal and maternal families, as the child was born out of wedlock.
She feared the infant might not get the care he needed and could lose his life. “So I took the baby in and cared for him like my own,” she said.
A warm smile spread across her face as she spoke about her husband, Mr. Joseph Nartey Anumah, whom she described as a pillar of strength throughout their journey, despite stiff opposition from her mother-in-law, who constantly advised him to divorce her due to her inability to have children.
“Even after four fibroid surgeries, he remained supportive and hopeful. I only wish our story had ended differently,” she said with tears in her eyes.
The 80-year-old farmer said although her husband had five children from previous relationships, he tirelessly encouraged her in her quest to have children and accompanied her on visits to specialists for medical attention.
Mrs. Anumah said the respect she was accorded in her home made her treat her stepchildren, and later their own children, with love and care, which they, in turn, appreciated even after her husband passed away five years ago.
As the years went by, she continued working on her corn and plantain farm in Odumase-Krobo. However, life took a dramatic turn when she sustained a machete wound on her left leg while weeding.
“Within three days, the wound became life-threatening, and I could smell the flesh rotting,” she recalled with tears.
Despite multiple attempts to seek medical attention, her condition worsened. Eventually, her leg had to be amputated in May 2024 after doctors discovered the wound had become cancerous.
“It was a big blow to me, and at some point, I even thought of ending my life because I felt I had lost my independence,” she said, her voice trembling.
However, she said the love and care shown by some of the children she had raised helped her regain hope. They have been supportive during this difficult period.
She added that one of her nieces, Ms. Grace Narh, a trader who did not benefit much from Mrs. Anumah’s care due to distance but had always admired her compassion, offered her a comfortable home in Ashaiman and assists her in seeking medical attention.
“Some of the children I raised send me financial support to make my life better. I’m glad I helped them when I could. I didn’t do it expecting anything in return, but it has been worth every effort,” she said, smiling.
Mrs. Anumah advised couples desiring children to remain optimistic despite their challenges and support each other on their journey. She encouraged them to find ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others, especially needy children, as “childlessness is not the end of the world.”
“They should remember that there are many ways to make a difference in the lives of others, and those who are cared for should show gratitude by taking care of their guardians when the time comes,” she added.
The 80-year-old said childless couples should be inspired by her legacy to find purpose and meaning through the lives of children they help raise, a legacy that has not gone unnoticed and has proven to be truly rewarding.
