“ Mama Ama” Amponsah Seeking 5 th Ward City Council Seat PAWTUCKET –
Longtime Woodlawn resident and neighborhood business owner Ama Amponsah has declared her candidacy for the 5th Ward Pawtucket City Council seat.
Since emigrating with her husband, Isaac, from Ghana in the early 1980’s, Amponsah has operated Ama’s Variety & Mini Mart, a bedrock of the community, and raised her three now-grown children in the Main Street area.
She has seen the community go through good times and hard times and has seen generations come to her store, first as children picking out penny candy, then as youngsters looking for afterschool snacks, and then as adults bringing their own children.
“I am blessed to have lived the American Dream, to come here as an immigrant, work hard, raise a family and own a successful business that serves my community’s needs,” said Amponsah.
“I have watched generations come and go through my store for the past 32 years and I always felt so proud to have become part of the fabric of my community, to be someone they all call ‘Mama Ama.’
I love this neighborhood and this city.”
The feeling is mutual, says Suzanne Mailhot, president of the Woodlawn Neighborhood Association. “Ama has a passion for our children, for our elderly, for everyone,” said Mailhot.
“When school is in session, Ama would open her store early, at 6 a.m. – not to sell goods – just so the students could wait inside for the bus on snowy or rainy days.
“Her store is located across the street from the Little Sisters of the Poor-Jeanne Jugan Residence and several of the residents walk to her store daily for essentials and lottery tickets,” Mailhot continued.
“She always makes sure they are able to cross the street and return home safely.
That’s who Ama is. Ama cares.”
In addition to her community involvement, Amponsah has also served as the Sergeant at Arms for the Pawtucket City Council for the past eight years, and her observations and interactions with Council members fueled her desire to serve her community even more.
“I’ve been fortunate to witness firsthand the dedication of our City Councilors,” Amponsah said. “I’ve listened and watched intently and seen the hard work and passion Councilors must have. I have that passion. And I know I can bring to City Hall a unique perspective and strong voice for Ward 5.”
Another long-serving voice for the area, State Rep. Jean Philippe Barros, is certain Amponsah is the right fit for the job.
“I had the privilege of representing the 5th Ward on the City Council so I know what it takes. And ‘Mama Ama’ has what it takes,” said Rep. Barrros.
“I’ve known her for a long, long time and I am confident she will be a strong voice for Woodlawn, Oak Hill and the city as a whole.”
Ama and Isaac Amponsa live at 12 Utton Avenue, the same home where they raised their daughter Alethea, 37, and sons Isaac 32, and Germain, 29.