According to a report by Ghanaweb on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, former President John Dramani Mahama has faced multiple public accusations of alcohol consumption over the years. These allegations have come from various prominent figures, often during heated political debates or campaigns.
In 2016, then-running mate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia questioned Mahama’s sobriety, stating, “How can a drunk person leads and see what is going on in the country? If he stops drinking, he will see what the government has done”. This comment sparked controversy and set the tone for future allegations.
The following year, Kennedy Agyapong, MP for Assin Central, made a bold claim on Oman FM: “Mahama drinks too much. He drinks a lot”. Agyapong’s statement further fueled the ongoing debate about Mahama’s alleged drinking habits.
In 2020, Abronye DC, the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, accused Mahama of excessive drinking during a radio interview. He stated, “John Mahama drinks Alomo bitters and whisky”, referring to popular alcoholic beverages in Ghana.
The allegations continued into 2021 when Owusu Bempah, a controversial religious figure, claimed on Net 2 TV that “Mahama drinks alcohol”. This accusation from a religious leader added a new dimension to the ongoing narrative.
Most recently, in 2023, the term “drunkard” was used in reference to Mahama during a political rally, reigniting the debate. While some view these accusations as political mudslinging, others argue they raise legitimate concerns about leadership.
It’s important to note that Mahama has not publicly addressed most of these allegations directly. The recurring nature of these accusations, however, has made them a persistent topic in Ghanaian political discourse, often overshadowing policy debates and other substantive issues.
As Ghana approaches its next election cycle, it remains to be seen whether these allegations will continue to play a role in political discussions or if the focus will shift to more policy-oriented debates.
