Posted by Chinenye on Wed 22nd Apr, 2026 - tori.ng
John Mahama has triggered wide discussion after remarks describing how contractor payments circulate beyond formal business channels into broader informal spending networks.
(Ghana President John Mahama. Photo Credit BBC)
After highlighting the part "side chicks" play in the larger money flow after contractor payments, President John Mahama has spurred discussion.
He stated, "When the contractors get paid, they go buy a Land Cruiser for themselves, and car dealers also benefit."
Mahama said, "And even their spouses, the wives, and the side ch+cks also benefit," emphasizing that the expenditure also affects interpersonal ties. Because they give their wives and side ch+cks a portion of the money they receive when they are paid.
In his comments, Mahama pointed out that when contractors are paid, a portion of the money is frequently distributed outside of formal households, including to unmarried amorous partners. He emphasized that this expenditure stream should not be disregarded because it makes subtle but significant contributions to economic activity.
He claims that as soon as these partners were paid, the money swiftly spreads through regular services that help companies like hairdressers, fashion designers, jewelers, and handbag merchants.
He suggested that this level of expenditure is a component of a larger unofficial economic network that depends on interpersonal connections and disposable resources