Beltha Mengen Forba

THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MAMI BELTHA

A brief reflection on a life of strength, sacrifice, generosity, and love

Mami Beltha was born in 1947 in Baba II Village, Santa Subdivision. She was the third born child and the first surviving child to Mami Agnes Agen and Pa Amaboh (Wakaman). She had eight siblings and six of whom are of blessed memories. She attended primary school in Baba II and completed her education in 1967. From an early age, Mami Beltha distinguished herself as a beautiful, energetic, intelligent, and exceptionally talented young girl. She excelled in many activities and was often recognized as one of the best performers and award winners during the National Day celebrations of her time.

In 1969, she successfully passed the entrance examinations to join the police force. However, she did not proceed with the training because, around the same time, she received a marriage proposal which she believed would offer a promising future. She became engaged to a young and handsome diplomat who was to travel to Nigeria for further studies at the University of Ibadan on government sponsorship.

On their way to Nigeria, they stopped in Buea to visit her maternal aunt, a wealthy contractor at that time. It was during this visit that the proposed marriage was cancelled by her aunt, who, based on her previous knowledge of the man, believed that the marriage would not succeed. Mami Beltha remained in Great Soppo, Buea, with her maternal aunt, Mami Christina Mamach, for some time. She worked as a clerk in her aunt’s contracting business. During this period, life was comfortable and promising.

Unfortunately, she could not remain with her aunt indefinitely because of her father’s incessant letters and requests for her to return to Baba II. She eventually returned to live in her father’s compound on Independent Street, Mankon. During that time, she worked at the marketing Board(Coffee Cooperative) for a while. Mami Beltha encountered several suitors, but her father rejected them because she was already engaged to another man.

Her Marriage and the Challenges She Faced

In 1972, Mami Beltha reunited with her destined husband (on returned from Nigeria) and entered matrimony. Sadly, married life brought with it many challenges. The dreams she had failed and the reality bitter. Marriage placed significant limitations on her abilities, ambitions, and potential.

Tragically, her maternal aunt, who had earlier foreseen many of these challenges, passed away shortly after Mami Beltha’s marriage reunion. Mami Beltha subsequently lived a life marked by extremely hard labor and sacrifice. Yet, in the midst of all her struggles, she remained focused on one thing: ensuring that her children achieved the opportunities that life had denied her. She was the kind of mother who knew all the bright and intelligent boys and girls in her village and would not hesitate to reward them for teaching her children during the school holidays. Her gold was quality education and success of her children. She was never tired of knocking on the door of others in vain to sake favor for her children. A mother who worked tirelessly for others because she wanted her children to have a better life. Her children were her dream. Their success was her reward.

In 2018, Mami Beltha traveled to the United States to reunite with her children and grandchildren. Although she spent time in the United States, Cameroon was always her home, and she continued to travel back to visit the family and loved ones she had left behind.

Following the passing of her husband in 2023, Mami Beltha returned to Cameroon to honor him and spend time with her family. She later returned to the United States, where she was blessed to spend precious time with her children, grandchildren, and growing family.

One of the great joys of her final years was welcoming her first grandson and his family to the United States. During this time, she was also blessed to welcome her second great-granddaughter and two more grandchildren into the family.

Before her illness, Mami Beltha enjoyed many beautiful moments in the United States, surrounded by the people she loved. Those memories—her conversations, laughter, strength, advice, and simply having her close—have now become precious treasures that her family will carry in their hearts forever.

Mami Beltha was a woman of resilience, determination, and selfless love. Though life placed many obstacles in her path, she continued to give, nurture, encourage, and sacrifice. Her story is ultimately not only one of hardship, but also one of strength, perseverance, motherhood, and an unwavering commitment to her family.

Those She Leaves Behind

Mami Beltha leaves behind two maternal siblings and a large family, that together with many friends and well-wishers will deeply mourn her passing.

To all her loved ones, friends, and well-wishers, she leaves behind a message of faith and hope:

“With good thoughts in mind, God has a better plan.”

Though she is no longer with us, the sacrifices she made, the lives she touched, and the family she nurtured will remain her lasting legacy.

Rest peacefully, Mami Beltha. Your struggles are over, but your legacy lives on.

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