Sammi Awuku critiques President Mahama over 'side chick' comment

The Member of Parliament for Akuapim North, Sammi Awuku, has added his voice to the ongoing public reaction over President John Dramani Mahama’s “side chick” comment, saying the issue is less about the remark itself and more about where it was made.

Speaking on UTV on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, Awuku suggested that while the comment may have been intended in a light-hearted or informal way, it did not suit the setting in which it was delivered.

“In all fairness, the ‘side chick’ comment was a boys-boys remark, but it was made on the wrong platform,” he added.

He explained that comments of that nature are typically reserved for private or informal conversations, not public platforms where the President’s words carry significant meaning and are closely scrutinised.

According to Awuku, every statement made by a sitting President is often interpreted as an official position, making it important for such remarks to be carefully considered before being shared publicly.

He emphasised that the matter should not be seen as a personal attack but rather as a question of appropriateness and responsibility, especially given the influence that comes with the highest office in the land.

The MP also urged public officials, particularly the President, to be mindful of how their words are received, noting that leadership comes with the responsibility to communicate in a way that reflects the dignity and weight of the office.

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

What Mahama said:

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.

"It's painful Christ's birthplace now an epicentre of war President Mahama 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.

NA/BAI

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