A leading New Patriotic Party (NPP) figure, Kwame Pianim, sparked laughter at a major teachers’ conference.
This was when the veteran economist shared a humorous political warning directed at President John Mahama.
Speaking at the 54th National Delegates Conference of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) in Accra on Monday, January 5, Pianim addressed the critical issue of teacher accommodation.
In a candid moment, he revealed he had deliberately avoided asking the President for housing support for teachers, despite internal pressure to do so.
“Mr. President, here’s a fourth thing I will not ask you for,” Pianim stated. “Even though [colleague] Thomas is very keen for me to say, ‘ask the President to help us with housing,’ I said no.”
He explained his refusal with a touch of partisan wit, acknowledging his own party’s past shortcomings on the issue. “I said, we didn’t help you with housing. Why would I let the President help you with housing?” His remark drew widespread amusement from the assembled delegates.
Pianim then delivered his punchline, framing the potential policy success as a friendly political threat. “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.”
