“My mother fought my Father to educate me” – Dorcas Affo-Toffey reveals powerful childhood story

Deputy Transport Minister and Member of Parliament for Jomoro Constituency, Madam Dorcas Affo-Toffey, has offered a rare and personal insight into her childhood, revealing how her mother fought against deep-rooted cultural beliefs to ensure she received an education.

Speaking in an interview with Captain Smart on Onua TV, Affo-Toffey disclosed that her father married 16 wives and had 26 children, but did not believe girls deserved formal schooling.

“My father got married to 16 wives, and we are 26 children. He didn't give birth to a lot of children. My father didn't like the idea of having an affair outside marriage,” she said, explaining that, due to his wealth, he formally married any woman he became interested in.

“He was rich, so immediately he saw you and was interested in you, he would go ahead and marry you. That was how he settled down with my mother. He just informed my grandparents that he was interested in my mother, and that was how he married her.”

Despite being part of a large family, she revealed that she was the only daughter who received formal education, as her father prioritised the advancement of the male children.

“Among all the girls, I am the only educated one. He never believed in educating girls, but the male children are well educated. He didn't mind going for the extra education of the male child,” she stated.

Affo-Toffey credited her success and political rise to the resilience of her mother, who was willing to put her marriage on the line to secure her daughter’s future.

“But my mother stood her ground, risking her marriage for my education. She actually stood her ground on divorcing my father for my education.”

According to the MP, this defining moment pushed her to take her schooling seriously, ultimately shaping her into the woman she is today.

“When I heard that story, I decided to make her proud, so I stayed in school and made sure of becoming who I am today.”

Her story highlights the challenges many Ghanaian girls face due to cultural beliefs and gender inequality. It also reflects the life-changing impact of mothers who advocate for their daughters.

Affo-Toffey’s rise from a polygamous household with limited opportunities for girls to becoming a lawmaker and government official serves as an inspiring example of determination and the power of education.

Her revelation has sparked public conversation about the importance of girls’ education, parental support, and the need to challenge societal norms that hold women back.