In an amusing moment at the 54th National Delegates Conference of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) held in Accra, veteran economist and prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Pianim, humorously advised President John Dramani Mahama to refrain from providing housing assistance to teachers. His remarks elicited laughter from attendees, highlighting the ongoing discourse surrounding educators’ welfare.
During his address on January 5, 2026, Pianim mentioned that he had intentionally chosen not to press the President for housing support for teachers, despite recommendations from others within the party. “Mr. President, here’s a fourth thing I will not ask you for,” he stated, indicating that although there was pressure to appeal for housing aid, he held back.
Expounding on his reasoning, Pianim remarked that the NPP had previously neglected the housing needs of educators while in power and playfully suggested that it would be politically embarrassing to witness the current administration succeed in an area where his party had fallen short. “I said, we didn’t help you with housing. Why would I let the President help you with housing?” he quipped, prompting laughter from the crowd.
He concluded his comments with a light-hearted warning directed at Mahama, emphasizing the potential political fallout if the President were to succeed in addressing teachers’ housing needs. “So I’ll tell the President, Mr. President, whatever you do, if you help the teachers with housing and put my party to shame, our friendship will break,” he jested, reinforcing the competitive dynamic between the political parties.
This event not only highlighted the pressing issues related to teachers’ accommodation but also showcased the camaraderie and rivalry inherent in Ghanaian politics.
