When We Leave Politics, Nitiwul And I Will Go To The North, You Will Go To Winneba—Mahama To Afenyo

President John Dramani Mahama gave Parliament a moment of laughter during his State of the Nation Address after exchanging a light-hearted remark with Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

In the middle of his address, Mahama briefly departed from the formal discussion of government policies to joke about what he and his political colleagues might do after leaving active politics.

Addressing Afenyo-Markin, the President remarked that he and Dominic Nitiwul would return to the North, while the Minority Leader would head to Winneba. He then reassured him with the words, “Don’t worry, you are my friend.”

The unexpected comment generated laughter across the parliamentary chamber, temporarily breaking the seriousness associated with the annual presidential address.

The President’s reference to the North and Winneba appeared to draw on the politicians’ regional associations while conveying a friendly message to a prominent opposition figure.

The incident offered a glimpse into the personal relationships that may exist between politicians who otherwise find themselves on opposing sides of Ghana’s political landscape. Lawmakers responded with visible amusement, making the exchange one of the lighter moments of the proceedings.

Following the event, footage of Mahama’s remarks spread across social media, where users shared different interpretations of the interaction. Many praised the President for displaying a relaxed personality and maintaining cordial relations with political opponents.

Some commentators argued that the exchange demonstrated that disagreements over public policy do not have to translate into personal hostility. They described such interactions as encouraging signs for a democratic culture built on tolerance, respect and peaceful political competition.

However, a number of observers expressed reservations about the regional undertones of the joke. They cautioned that references to politicians’ ethnic or geographical backgrounds, even when intended humorously, could be interpreted differently by different audiences.

Despite the differing views, the exchange was widely discussed as a moment that brought a human element to an otherwise formal national event. For many supporters, it reinforced the idea that Ghanaian politicians can maintain personal friendships while competing fiercely over the country’s leadership and future.

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