President John Dramani Mahama gave Ghanaians a humorous dose of déjà vu during a recent speech announcing plans to ban the importation and use of styrofoam food packaging, and it came with an unexpected twist.
While reading his prepared speech, the President stated, “Fellow Ghanaians, the journey from landfill…” but paused, suddenly amused by his own words. “Oh, fellow Ghanaians, it sounds very familiar, yeah?” he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.
The phrase “Fellow Ghanaians” was popularised by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, who repeatedly used it in his televised COVID-19 updates, often preceding serious national announcements. Mahama, clearly aware of its iconic (and now meme-worthy) status, quickly corrected himself: “But that’s what they wrote in my speech… Okay, fellow citizens.”
While the upcoming ban on styrofoam is serious business, the President’s unexpected nod to his predecessor proved that even in matters of policy, a little humour goes a long way.
