‘How ‘Side Chicks’ Boost Economy’, Ghanaian President Mahama Explains

Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has stirred conversation across West Africa after highlighting what he described as the indirect economic contributions of housewives and ‘side chicks’ to Ghana’s informal value chain.

Speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the 2026 Kwahu Business Forum, Mahama explained how financial flows from government contracts circulate through multiple layers of the economy, including households and lifestyle sectors.

According to him, when contractors receive payments, their spending patterns extend beyond core investments to luxury purchases and personal relationships, creating a ripple effect across various industries.

“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,” he added, drawing laughter from the audience.

Mahama noted that such spending sustains micro and small businesses, particularly in the beauty, fashion, and retail sectors, which form a significant part of Ghana’s informal economy.

The remarks come days after the Ghanaian leader made headlines for his comments on Nigeria’s strategic importance to the West African sub-region.

Describing Ghana and Nigeria as closely linked, Mahama said both countries share deep historical and cultural ties.

“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. Many people in Ghana migrated from Nigeria,” he said.

“Nigeria is of keen security interest to us. If Nigeria does well, Ghana does well. I mean, when you have cousins, 250 million of them, you want them to do well, so that one million of them don’t come drifting towards a small country like Ghana.”

Mahama also reiterated his personal connection to Nigeria, revealing familial ties to Kwara State.

“My stepmother, who raised me, is a Nigerian, and she comes from Offa in Kwara State. At a time when there was a coup in Ghana, my father lived in exile here in Nigeria, and I had to stay with my stepmother in Offa for many years, so I know Offa quite well.

“I consider it my hometown here in Nigeria, and the Olofa of Offa granted me a chieftaincy title. So for those of you who don’t know, I’m the Aare Atolase of Offa Kingdom.”