Where we come from
Our Vision
The Symbol
Sankofa
"Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi" — in Twi: "It is not wrong to go back for what you forgot."
The Sankofa bird looks backwards while moving forward. It stands for the wisdom of learning from the past to build a better future.
This principle lies at the heart of our project: we honour Mama Heidi's forgotten dream — and make it real today.
In Memoriam
Mama Heidi
Adelheid Wittwer, born 1939, passed away 2024 — a dedicated nurse. Ever since her training, she dreamed of helping in Africa, inspired by Albert Schweitzer.
Life took her on different paths: marriage, family, a career in Germany. But her dream lived on — and was passed down to her daughter Stephanie.
When Mama Heidi passed in 2024, her wish was clear: this dream should not die with her. The health center bears her name — and her spirit.
"She always said: if I could, I would go to Africa." — Stephanie Wittwer
Adelheid (Heidi) Wittwer, 1939–2024
Stephanie Wittwer, Founder
The Founder
Stephanie's Story
Stephanie Wittwer is a psychologist and health scientist with over 26 years in rehabilitation. Ghana is not new to her: her first trip to Africa took her there in 1998.
Through the organisation PLAN International she sponsored children in Ghana for years — building a deep connection to the country and its people.
In 2023 — encouraged by a decisive push from Martin H. — she co-founded the Mama Heidi Health Center project with Prince Sisu Haruna.
The Co-Founder
How it all began
Prince Sisu Haruna, born 1987 in Tamale, co-founded the Prince and Princess Academy — a school that now counts over 220 students. He lives alternately in Ghana and northern Spain.
Sisu knows the needs of his home community first-hand. Together with Stephanie he forms the heart of the MHHC project: she brings the expertise and network in Germany, he brings the connections on the ground in Tamale.
In 2023 the two found each other — and decided: it is time to make Mama Heidi's dream a reality.
Prince Sisu Haruna, Co-Founder
Ubuntu Philosophy
"I am because we are."
Ubuntu is more than a word — it is a life philosophy from southern Africa. It says that the humanity of the individual is inseparable from the community. The Mama Heidi Health Center is a place where Ubuntu is lived: open to all, carried by all.
The vision is clear — now we need you
Learn more about the project or support us directly with a donation.