After finishing at Government Girls’ School, Alberta sat for her Middle School Leaving Certificate. Soon after, Inspector Henry Essilfie — a respected education officer in Cape Coast — recognized her potential and encouraged her to consider teaching. She was only sixteen or eighteen at the time, fresh out of school but ready to shoulder responsibility. With his guidance, she stepped into the classroom as a young pupil teacher. Her first posting was at Aggrey Memorial Basic School near Jubilee Park. Those early days were challenging, but Inspector Essilfie became a steady mentor. He reminded her to be patient, respectful, and humble — qualities that soon defined her. He also taught her how to engage children and create a classroom that was both safe and joyful. The children adored her, and in nurturing them, Alberta discovered not just a job but a calling. In 1954, her teaching journey took her to Aggrey Memorial School in Abura Dunkwa Edumfa, where her natural gift for mothering shone even brighter. A young girl, Georgina, came to live with her for many years, and Alberta treated her like her own daughter. Today, Georgina is well into her seventies, yet she still visits “Auntie Alberta” with her children and grandchildren. What began as a single act of kindness continues to grow into a living legacy of love. In 1955, Alberta’s path led her to Aggrey Memorial School in Saltpond, arranged through Inspector Essilfie. Saltpond would change her life forever. There was already family history woven into its soil. Alberta’s grandfather had married a Saltpond woman, Maame Efua Ahwio, in 1923. Because of this bond, Alberta was warmly embraced by Maame Efua’s family. On weekends, when Alberta travelled back to Cape Coast, Maame Efua packed bread, fish, or other provisions for her journey — a small but powerful reminder that Alberta was never alone. A new rhythm soon entered her life. While in Saltpond, Alberta’s close friend — who would one day become her husband, Affail — introduced her to a young man, Albert Adu Boahene. Back then, he was just Affail’s former student from Mfantsipim, but years later he would rise to become the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party. Together, the three of them shared a passion for music and dance, eventually forming a small dance company. The weekends came alive with rhythm and joy as they taught ballroom and other dances to the community. What began as a pastime blossomed into one of Alberta’s happiest seasons—a time of laughter, friendship, and endless possibility. Through all these years as a pupil teacher, Alberta’s story was more than chalkboards and classrooms. It was about the people she nurtured, the bonds she built, and the kindness she carried with her. Each posting was a chapter, each relationship a seed planted. A l b e r t a The Pupil Teacher The Birthday Journal 7
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