'Don't discount it' – President Mahama jokingly weighs in on 'side chick' salary benefits

President John Dramani Mahama got the crowd roaring with laughter at the Kwahu Business Forum when he described what he said is how government contract payments boost the economy, usually through the contractors' side chicks.

Speaking at the Kwahu Business Forum on March 4, 2026, the president, while making the point that paying contractors on time creates a spending ripple that touches every corner of the economy, narrated how vendors of various luxury products tend to benefit from such payments.

"When the contractors get paid, they go and buy a Land Cruiser for themselves, car dealers also benefit. And even their spouses, their wives, and their side chicks also benefit," he said.

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He went further, explaining that once the side chicks are sorted out, they too become economic boosters in their own right.

"When the spouses and the side chicks too get, hairdressers get, dressmakers get, jewelry shops get, handbags sellers get. So, don't discount that one at all," Mahama added, drawing laughter from the audience.

He, however, made the comments in jest, even as he continued his actual address to the gathering.

Watch the video below:



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