President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to Kintampo during his Thank You Tour took a surprising turn—not for his remarks, but because of how he arrived.
Celebrating his victory in the 2024 elections, Mahama stopped at the Kintampo College of Health in the Bono Region to thank citizens. In a crowded hall filled with students, traditional rulers, and community members, he spoke about unity, national progress, and the importance of honoring hardworking citizens—especially public transport drivers.
“I’d like to express gratitude to all commercial drivers and the GPRTU for helping reduce fares despite these tough times,” he said, earning applause from attendees.
But beyond the speeches, a different narrative unfolded.
A video of Mahama’s entrance—escorted by a 19-car convoy with sirens and heavy security—quickly circulated online and sparked public debate.
“Nineteen cars for one person? That’s too much in this economy,” one social media user wrote, echoing broader concerns about government overspending.
While some defended the motorcade as standard protocol for a sitting president, others mocked it. “He thanked drivers for cutting fares, yet showed up with a convoy big enough to launch a transport company,” joked another user.
The controversy tapped into a deeper public sentiment: dissatisfaction with what many see as lavish government behavior. For critics, the size of the convoy contradicted the humility Mahama expressed in his speech.
Local opinions in Kintampo were divided. While many appreciated the visit, some quietly questioned whether the grand convoy truly matched the message of modest leadership.
Health student Abena Mensah, 26, summed it up: “It was special to have the president here. But to be honest, the convoy seemed too excessive.”
As Mahama’s Thank You Tour continues across the country, the images from Kintampo—flashing lights, multiple cars, and strong security—are likely to be remembered even more than the speech itself.
As Mahama once said in an interview: “I still pay my bills after serving as President.” For many Ghanaians, that statement now feels like a call for consistency between words and actions.
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