Anna Foncha, the wife of Cameroon’s reunification prodigy, John Ngu Foncha, reached the remarkable milestone of 100 years on December 23.
Her centennial birthday was marked by a special mass celebrated by Fr. Anthony Ndang Ndichia at St John Foncha Street in Nkwen, Bamenda.
Described as a lively and spirited woman, Mama Anna Foncha’s significance extends beyond her role as the one-time First Lady of Southern Cameroons when her husband served as Prime Minister.
She is also credited with founding the Catholic Women Association (CWA) of Cameroon in 1964, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s political and social fabric.
Shading light on Mama Anna’s centenarian life, Cameroonian politician Barrister Akere Muna shared fond memories of the Foncha and Muna families.
Barrister Muna, reflecting on the joyful moments shared with Mama Anna, emphasised the remarkable journey of a woman who played a crucial role during the reunification of Southern Cameroons and French Cameroon in 1961.
Celebrating her centennial milestone, Akere Muna recalled Mama Anna’s nurturing presence when he and his brothers faced a challenging time following their mother’s passing in 1983.
He spoke of her vibrant and enduring influence, describing her as a beacon of light throughout the decades.
“Throughout my entire existence, her vibrant presence has graced my life, and the memories of our cherished moments together in Buea are etched into the deepest recesses of my mind,” said Akere Muna.
“In an era where doubt seeks to erode our unity and threaten the bedrock of our nation, her life stands as an unyielding testament to the enduring hope embodied in our past. By some divine providence, Mama Anna is preserved among us, a living link to our heritage, urging us to remember our journey forward.”
He emphasised the collective responsibility to transform Mama Anna’s legacy and sacrifices, along with those of her beloved Dr. Foncha, into the prologue of a brighter future.
Mama Anna Foncha, a widow for 24 years, stands as a living connection to a significant era in Cameroonian history.
Her late husband, John Ngu Foncha, served as the Prime Minister of West Cameroon from 1959 to 1961 before becoming the Prime Minister and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Cameroon between 1961 and 1965.
If John Ngu Foncha were alive today, he would be 107 years old.
As Mama Anna Foncha enters her second century, the nation reflects on her remarkable journey and contributions, celebrating a life intertwined with the intricate threads of Cameroon’s history and heritage.
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