Benedicta Delima, a Swarthmore College Environmental Services technician, is not just a staff member; she is a passionate advocate and author devoted to transforming the lives of widows in Ghana. Her personal story of loss, resilience, and unwavering commitment is powerfully captured in her self-published memoir, Widow and Son: The Tears and Suffering of a Widow and Son from Ghana.
A Mission Born from Pain
Delima’s journey into advocacy began after the tragic death of her husband in 2015. In Tema, Ghana, she was thrust into a harrowing battle against societal neglect and familial abuse. Like many widows in Ghana, she faced accusations of causing her husband’s death, was labeled a “witch,” and endured relentless threats from her in-laws, who even sought to separate her from her young son, Sonnie.
Her ordeal escalated as her in-laws accused her of stealing gold and attempted to claim her husband’s possessions, a practice not uncommon in Ghana. Fearing for her son’s safety, Delima turned to the U.S. Embassy for help, ultimately finding refuge in Pennsylvania, where she rebuilt her life and joined Swarthmore College’s staff in 2019.
“Widows in Ghana are often stripped of their dignity and resources,” Delima explains. “They are beaten, driven from their homes, and left to raise children without any support.”
Launching BSTP: A Lifeline for Widows
Determined to provide a voice for the voiceless, Delima founded Benedicta and Sonnie’s Tears and Pains (BSTP) in 2023, a nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating the suffering of widows and their children. Since its inception, BSTP has supported over 400 women by providing critical resources such as groceries, rent assistance, medical aid, and transportation to hospitals.
Delima’s efforts also extend to long-term solutions. Through partnerships with local organizations, BSTP offers skills training in soap-making, sewing, and catering, empowering widows to achieve financial independence.
Sharing Her Story: Advocacy Through Writing and Community Engagement
Delima’s memoir chronicles her struggles and triumphs, shedding light on the systemic issues faced by widows in Ghana. Her father, Ignatius de Paul, a lawyer and magistrate for over four decades, was a guiding influence in her survival. Recognizing the barriers posed by illiteracy, Delima advocates for Ghana’s constitution to be translated into the country’s 70 Indigenous languages to ensure accessibility for all.
Her advocacy has resonated far beyond Ghana. At Swarthmore College, students like Yatin Lala ’24, who designed a website for BSTP, and Elizabeth Agyei ’25, who helped organize a Ghanaian fundraising dinner, have rallied around her cause. Events like these not only raise funds but also educate communities about the plight of widows in Ghana.
A Call for Legal Reform
Delima is pushing for systemic change in Ghana. Despite the existence of intestate succession laws designed to protect surviving spouses, enforcement is weak. She hopes to collaborate with the Ghana Bar Association to advocate for stronger legal protections that prevent widows from being dispossessed and disenfranchised.
“Widows are often left in the dark, with no legal recourse,” Delima says. “Authorities turn them away, leaving them vulnerable to abuse and poverty.”
Looking Ahead
As BSTP continues to grow, Delima remains steadfast in her vision of creating a brighter future for widows and their children. Her organization is actively raising funds to expand its reach, purchase a vehicle for medical transportation, and develop community programs that foster economic empowerment.
“Even though we have escaped the darkness that befell us,” Delima reflects, “my son and I are devoted to finding a lasting solution to the suffering of surviving spouses in Ghana.”
Benedicta Delima’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact one individual can have on the lives of many. Through her memoir, advocacy, and nonprofit, she is rewriting the narrative for widows in Ghana, proving that even in the face of adversity, hope and change are possible.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson
