Afia Bema Banahene Asibe Osei, Esq.

Emmanuel and I met in 1 Arts 5 at Achimota School. We were classmates.

Long live Motown!

Ironically, neither of us had ever imagined we’d end up at Achimota School. It wasn’t on our radar—how we both landed there is a story for another day. But fate and divine predestination saw fit to place us in the same school and the same class.

From the very first week, Emmanuel stood out. In every introductory class, when we all had to introduce ourselves, the teachers would light up at the mention of his name. “Are you the son of THE Emmanuel Dei-Tumi?” they’d ask. His “yes” left them starstruck every time.

I remember thinking to myself, “Who is this boy?” But as for me, I minded my own business. Getting a boyfriend was the last thing on my mind. My mother had made it clear: take a boyfriend in SHS, and you’ll fail your exams (kindly note this for future reference).

I had a school mother, Sonia, who once said she wanted to introduce me to my school brother. And guess who it was? Emmanuel. As soon as I saw him, I laughed—he was already in my class! That little introduction, though, was the spark we needed (even if Emmanuel might deny it!).

At the time, boys and girls used to prep together (Achigiss and Achibosco hadn’t started yet). I was there, married to my books, hoping to give birth to success—meanwhile, Emmanuel and his friend were betting on who would win my heart. Imagine that!

Soon enough, the love notes started coming. One minute I was solving math; the next, I was receiving sweet little letters. Emmanuel had the advantage—he was in my class and saw me every day. The notes continued until the end of the term (I might still have a few tucked away!).

At the close of that term, Emmanuel came to my desk and asked for my phone number. Sharp guy! I gave it to him but didn’t expect him to actually call. I kept school and home very separate. So, imagine my shock when, during the Christmas break, while helping my mum in the kitchen, Emmanuel called! When he mentioned his surname, I froze—“Ei, akoa no ani abre!”

And just like that, it all began.

We became friends—real friends. We talked more over vacation, and when school resumed, we grew even closer. We began walking to Aggrey Chapel together after morning dining. We never sat together in class—we were focused—but we did subtly compete. During breaks, if I got time away from my girls, we’d grab food together. And he started sharing my chopbox snacks as if they were his birthright!

Every visiting day, he’d show up at McCarthy House to greet my parents. To them, he was just a “friend.” Technically, he was—de facto, we were a couple, but who needs labels? Substance over form.

We never even met outside of school until after WASSCE!

Then came Form 2, and on July 4, 2015, I made a bold move (yes, rebellious, based on my mum’s earlier warning). After two years of Emmanuel showing steady interest, I officially agreed to be his girlfriend.

That day was hilarious. Emmanuel was boiling with jealousy because someone from another school had sent me a love letter. I had to assure him he was my choice. And from that day, we entered our “pepper them, but make it lowkey” era. Matching bags. Hand-holding. Always “gating.” Inseparable.

By God’s grace, we both became prefects—I, McCarthy House Prefect; Emmanuel, Dining Hall Prefect for the East. Our post-siesta periods turned into study dates. We were a team. Always.

Of course, I came clean to my mum just before WASSCE—couldn’t risk failing. She gave her blessing. And yes, I graduated as Best History Student, and Emmanuel was second-best (as it should be!).

We both made it to UG School of Law. The bond grew stronger. I told my dad, and Emmanuel was accepted (he really gave them no choice!). He always showed up. Always stayed. He graduated with a First Class, and I with a strong Second Class Upper (fight with your MIS if you want).

We both passed the Ghana School of Law entrance exam and were called to the Bar in 2022.

Better together! We endured.

After over 11 years, the absolute love of my life got down on one knee and asked me to be his forever. And with joy, I said yes.

Now, here we are.

12 years and counting. Forever to go.

So help us God.