I first met MaaMonica in the late 1950s to early 1960s when we were both students at Yaa Asantewaa Secondary School. Like many of our schoolmates, I affectionately called her “Maa Monica.” The prefix “Maa” came naturally to us because of who she was as a person way back then in our school days. She was someone who engendered the respect and admiration of all her peers. There are so many qualities she embodies that I truly admire, but the words that come to mind immediately are kind, caring, authentic, and God-fearing. She has stayed true to who she is all these years. One of my fondest memories of her goes back to our school days. I had my first boyfriend while we were at Yaa Asantewaa. MaaMonica loved to tease me about him and would go, “Nana oo Nana!”, which would have me giggling happily. She must have known he was a good match for me, and she was right, as Lovelace (Nana) and I have been married for 55 years now. I remember howmuch she encouraged me when we were in school. I looked up to her as though she were my big sister, even though we were mates. She was always caring and looked out for others, always wanting to see everyone do well and thrive. She inspired me in those formative years of my life to also look out for others around me. The “Nana oo Nana” chant is still one of the moments that makes me smile whenever I think of her. And after all these years, I cannot recall a single misunderstanding between us. If I could thank her for just one thing, it would be for being such a wonderful friend to me, especially during our time at Yaa Asantewaa Secondary School. On the occasion of her 80th birthday, I wish MaaMonica good health, long life, peace of mind, and all the happiness her heart can absorb! Jocelyn Prempeh The Birthday Journal 19
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