My father was imprisoned for 2 years – Mahama opens up on his indecision to go into politics
In a rare and candid revelation, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has opened up about the personal challenges that nearly deterred him from pursuing a career in politics. Speaking in an interview shared by GHOne TV on February 2, 2025, Mahama reflected on the profound impact of his father’s traumatic experiences as a politician during Ghana’s early post-independence era.
“I was reluctant to go into politics because my father had been in politics, and there had been a coup that led to his arrest and imprisonment for two years,” Mahama disclosed. “After that, he was so traumatized that he never wanted to have anything to do with politics.”
Emmanuel Adama Mahama: A Political Pioneer’s Ordeal
Mahama’s father, Emmanuel Adama Mahama, was a prominent figure in Ghana’s First Republic, serving as:
Member of Parliament for the West Gonja Constituency.
First Regional Commissioner of the Northern Region under President Kwame Nkrumah.
Senior Presidential Adviser during the Third Republic under Dr. Hilla Limann.
Despite his contributions, Emmanuel Adama Mahama faced severe repercussions during the political upheavals of the 1960s. He was arrested and imprisoned for two years following a coup, an experience that left him deeply scarred.
“My father suffered greatly because of his political involvement,” Mahama recounted. “After his release, he distanced himself from politics and focused on business, becoming a successful commercial rice farmer.”
John Mahama’s Journey: Overcoming Reluctance
Despite his initial hesitation, John Mahama eventually followed in his father’s footsteps, driven by a desire to serve his country. His political career includes:
Member of Parliament for the Bole-Bamboi Constituency.
Vice President under President John Atta Mills.
President of Ghana from 2012 to 2016.
Mahama’s reflections highlight the personal sacrifices and emotional toll often associated with political leadership. “Politics is not just about power; it’s about service and resilience,” he emphasized.
Dr. Akosua Adomako, a political historian, noted: “The Mahama family’s story is a microcosm of Ghana’s political history—marked by courage, sacrifice, and resilience.”
