Martha was born on the 23rd of August, 1956, in Santa, to the family of Mama Rebecca Angie and Honorable Pa Sam Mofor, both of blessed memory. She was the middle of five children. Growing up in a large polygamous family, she stood out for her intelligence, quiet strength, determination, hard work, and the kindness she so effortlessly gave to others. These qualities never left her—they only deepened with time. From a young age, Martha showed interest and passion for education. She wanted to be educated and did her best to show her father how serious she was about going to school. She completed her primary education in the Baptist Primary Schools of Mutengene and Great Soppo Buea.

She then moved to Bamenda, where she continued her secondary education at LCC Mankon from 1967 to 1972, where she was known for her academic excellence. She briefly worked with the Ministry of Public Health at the Bamenda Provincial Hospital before leaving for London in 1975 to pursue further studies. She was admitted to the London Pitman Institute for Secretarial Studies, where she graduated as a Company Secretary (Secrétaire de Direction). Martha also had many interests—she loved gardening, cooking, traveling, and adventure. Her ambitions were never just for herself but always intertwined with a desire to lift others and make a difference.