A Decade of Community: Ms. Maria Oram on Life in Abelemkpe

by Avik Grover | Humans of Abelemkpe Series

Video Interview

In this edition of Humans of Abelemkpe, we spoke with Ms. Maria Oram, a longtime member of the Lincoln Community School staff and a resident of Abelemkpe for over a decade. With deep roots in the neighborhood and a personal connection to the school, her story offers a glimpse into how family, community, and quiet routines can make a place truly feel like home.

Ms. Oram moved to Ghana in 2009, and about ten years ago, she and her family settled in Abelemkpe. “We moved here because my children started attending Lincoln. My oldest began in middle school, and we decided we needed to live closer to the school,” she shared. “I didn’t mean to move quite as close as I did—but it was the best house we found.”

That spontaneous decision quickly turned into something meaningful. Over the years, Abelemkpe has become more than just a location; it’s become a home. “What I love most is that it’s quiet, it’s safe,” she said. “When my children were younger, they could ride their bikes down the street. Now that they’re older, they can still move around safely. It’s a very peaceful neighborhood.”

That sense of community shows up in the everyday moments, too. Ms. Oram recalled a recent power outage that brought neighbors together. “Everyone came out onto the street trying to figure it out, helping each other. It reminded me of how close-knit the neighborhood can be.”

Of course, Abelemkpe has changed over the past decade. “There’s been a lot of construction,” she noted. “A hotel on the corner of the school is now apartments. Another large house was replaced by an office building. But even with all the development, the neighborhood has kept its feel—it still feels like a small, quiet area.”

While many residents point out growing pains like traffic or infrastructure challenges, Ms. Oram sees things differently. “Honestly, I like where I live. I haven’t really had any major challenges here.”

Her advice for anyone thinking about moving to Abelemkpe? “You have to be prepared for a drive if you want to get into Accra regularly—it’s not right in the center. But you can easily get to other parts of Ghana from here because of our access to the motorway,” she explained. “There are lots of great standalone houses, but many are older. Just make sure to really check out the house and be ready for what comes with it.”

With warmth, candor, and a genuine appreciation for her surroundings, Ms. Oram reminds us that what makes a place special isn’t always the amenities or location—it’s the people, the memories, and the comfort of a community that grows with you.