Today, 11th May, 2025 is Mother’s Day. It’s is a special time to celebrate mothers for their love, care, and the important roles they play in our lives.
Let us take a moment to remember a very special Ghanaian mother known as Hajia Abiba Nnaba, the mother of President John Dramani Mahama.
Hajia Abiba Nnaba was born on March 6, 1931, in Busunu, a town in the Savannah Region of Ghana. She came from a respected family. Her father, Tindana Suluwu, and her mother, Bonshewu (also called Buranishi-Awu), were well-known in their community. She was a faithful Muslim woman who lived a humble and quiet life.
President Mahama has always spoken with love about his mother. He grew up in Damongo with her before moving to Accra to live with his father. According to Mahama, his mother taught him to be patient, kind, and respectful. He says many of the good qualities people see in him today came from how his mother raised him.
Thanks to his mother’s strong guidance, John Mahama became a great leader. He has served Ghana as a Member of Parliament, a Minister, Vice President, and later became the President of the country. His journey in politics shows how important his mother’s support was in shaping his life.
Hajia Abiba Nnaba passed away on June 14, 2016, in Accra at the age of 85. She was buried in her hometown, Busunu, according to Islamic customs. Many important people in Ghana, including former Presidents Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum Kufuor, attended her funeral to show their respect.
