[Parent honoring thread] So proud of my Mum right now. Not just of what she's achieved, but who she is as a person.

When she was Minister of Education, she would engage with anyone and took everyone's opinion seriously regardless of "status". In Ghana (and in most places) this is quite rare for Ministers of State (to put it mildly). But that's just the kind of person she is.

Person: "[Happily rant to a stranger who's listening] Wait, you look familiar...have we met? You look like someone I saw on TV."

Her: "Don't worry, I get that all the time."

Most wouldn't put two and two together when whatever they were ranting about mysteriously got solved.

I remember when she was awarded by the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences. It's usually a quiet evening event, with faculty colleagues in the sub-region, some of their international collaborators, dignitaries and journalists in the audience.

My Mum's had all of that, but more.

To her (and everyone's) surprise, the university security staff, drivers, cleaners and many administrative staff hired several buses, took a 3 hour trip to Accra and spent the night for the ceremony.

Hundreds of people, mostly women.

It was very touching not least because of the sacrifice they were making. These are workers of very humble means. It speaks volumes about her character that they would do this of their own accord.

The organizers kept saying they had never seen anything like it.

When she was appointed as Vice-Chancellor, she was the first woman university president in Ghana's history.

So many records were set during her time.

Then, she became Minster of Education (again, the first woman in Ghana's history).

Ghana had her best basic school performance in our history under her watch.

For 4 years in a row(!)

Growing up, my parents opened their hearts and our home to so many disenfranchised young people.

From all over Ghana to Liberia.

I've met so many people in different countries who have such kind things to say about my parents.

Them: "You know, I had a professor with your last name..."

Me: "Oh? What were they like?"

[insert epic story]

The main thing I've learned from my Dad is confidence and patience. He is the most confident person I know.

Not many people are invited to give talks at Tel Aviv University in Israel on the Holocaust from an African perspective, I'll tell you that.

He trained me from a young age to possibly follow his footsteps into literature, but didn't hesitate to throw his full support behind me when I suddenly decided to study economics and mathematics. That meant the world to me.

At that point, I just knew the sky was the limit.

Things I've learned from my parents:

Help others in whatever way you can.

Think fearlessly.