…Ghanaian President Mahama highlighted sectors where women dominate entrepreneurship.
Accra, Ghana — The iNews Times reports that Ghanaian President Mahama has stirred conversation across West Africa after explaining what he described as the indirect economic contributions of housewives and so-called “side chicks” to Ghana’s informal sector.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the 2026 Kwahu Business Forum, Ghanaian President John Mahama outlined how government payments to contractors ripple through multiple layers of the economy from formal investments to household spending, fashion outlets, beauty salons, and retail businesses.
The remarks, delivered partly in a humorous tone, drew laughter from the audience but have since generated intense public debate across Ghana and Nigeria.
“Don’t Discount That One”
According to Ghanaian President Mahama, when contractors receive payments for public projects, the spending does not stop at business reinvestment.
“Because when they are paid, they give their wives and side chicks some of the money. And that’s an important avenue because you know where that one goes,” he said.
“When the spouses and the side chicks get, the hairdressers too get. The dress makers get, jewellery shops get, and handbag sellers get. So don’t discount that one at all.”
Through this example, Ghanaian President Mahama was illustrating how money circulates beyond formal banking systems into grassroots enterprises that sustain thousands of families.
Economic analysts note that Ghana’s informal economy accounts for a significant portion of employment, particularly in urban areas such as Accra and Kumasi. Beauty services, tailoring, small retail shops, and artisan businesses often depend on disposable household income.
By referencing hairdressers, dressmakers, and jewellery sellers, Ghanaian President Mahama highlighted sectors where women dominate entrepreneurship and employment.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of Ghana’s economic resilience. Even modest spending within households can generate multiplier effects boosting production, supply chains, and local demand.
While critics have focused on the phrasing of the comment, supporters argue that Ghanaian President Mahama was emphasizing the economic principle of money circulation and consumer-driven growth.
The remarks quickly trended on social media platforms across West Africa. Some commentators described the statement as candid and reflective of real-life economic behavior. Others cautioned that public officials must choose their words carefully when addressing sensitive social topics.
Despite the controversy, Ghanaian President Mahama’s broader message centered on the interconnected nature of economic systems particularly how public spending eventually filters down to everyday businesses.
The Kwahu Business Forum itself is known for discussions around entrepreneurship, economic growth, and private sector participation, making the President’s remarks part of a larger economic dialogue.
Ghana and Nigeria: “Twins of the Same Mother”
Beyond the economic discussion, Ghanaian President Mahama also reaffirmed the strong relationship between Ghana and Nigeria.
“Of course, Ghana and Nigeria are twins of the same mother, except that we fight over jollof and football. Otherwise, you know that we are the same people,” he said.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s stability and prosperity are crucial to Ghana’s security and economic wellbeing.
“Nigeria is of keen security interest to us. If Nigeria does well, Ghana does well,” he added.
The statement underscores the interconnected nature of West African economies, where migration, trade, and remittances link nations closely together.
In a personal reflection, Ghanaian President Mahama disclosed his family connection to Offa in Kwara State, Nigeria.
He revealed that his stepmother, who raised him, is Nigerian and that he spent years in Offa during a period when his father lived in exile. He also noted that he was granted a chieftaincy title by the Olofa of Offa, further cementing his ties to the country.
These remarks added a cultural and historical dimension to his speech, reinforcing the shared heritage between the two nations.
While debate over his wording continues, Ghanaian President Mahama’s speech has reopened broader conversations about informal economies, gender-driven consumption patterns, and how wealth distribution affects grassroots enterprise development.
Across West Africa, informal markets remain a major driver of employment. From tailoring workshops to hair salons, micro-businesses thrive largely on everyday spending.
As discussions evolve, the iNews Times will continue to track policy implications, public reactions, and economic analysis surrounding the remarks of Ghanaian President Mahama.
