Veteran economist and senior member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Kwame Pianim drew laughter from delegates at the 54th National Delegates Conference of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) on Monday January 5, 2026, when he jokingly warned President John Dramani Mahama against helping teachers with housing.

Speaking at the event in Accra, Pianim disclosed that he had deliberately refrained from asking the president for housing support, despite pressure from others.

“Mr President, here’s a fourth thing I will not ask you for. Even though Thomas is very keen on me to say, 'Ask the president to help us with housing,' I said 'no',” he indicated.

Pianim explained that the NPP had not adequately addressed teachers’ housing needs while in government and suggested it would be politically awkward to see the current administration succeed where his party had not, still in jest.

Government to support teachers with affordable housing through voluntary contributions ‎

“I said, we didn’t help you with housing. Why would I let the president help you with housing?” he added, drawing laughter from the audience.

He playfully warned President John Mahama of the political consequences if he makes such an intervention.

“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 said.

The remarks were among several discussions on issues affecting teachers, including accommodation, during the conference.

‘Mr. President, the teachers have asked me to ask you to help them with housing. If you help the teachers and put my party to shame, our friendship will break.’

— Kwame Pianim, former NPP government official, jokingly tells President Mahama.#CitiNewsroom #BreakfastDaily… pic.twitter.com/6tjMN8OGIb

— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) January 5, 2026