Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah Accuses Former President Mahama of Secret Ties with Coup Leaders and Russian Interests
Ghanaian media personality Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah has made a serious allegation against former President John Dramani Mahama, claiming that Mahama is covertly collaborating with military leaders from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Afrifa-Mensah suggests that Mahama’s interactions with these leaders are part of a larger scheme involving Russian interests, with Ghana’s gold potentially being used as a means of exchange.
The controversy stems from Mahama’s recent diplomatic trips to the Sahel region, where he met with military leaders such as Mali’s Assimi Goïta, Niger’s Abdourahamane Tchiani, and Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traoré. Officially, these meetings were aimed at strengthening Ghana’s diplomatic relationships and aiding the reconciliation of these countries with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following recent military coups.
However, during an appearance on his show For the Records, Afrifa-Mensah made explosive claims about the true nature of Mahama’s diplomatic endeavors. He alleged that Mahama’s visits were being used as a cover to advance Russian interests in the region, with Ghana’s gold potentially being secretly traded in these deals.
Afrifa-Mensah also expressed concerns about Mahama’s appointment of Gbevlo Lartey—rather than seasoned diplomats—to manage affairs in the Sahel. He speculated that this might signal an ulterior motive, possibly related to financial transactions linked to Russian influence in the region.
“Mahama is working with the Russians, and a whistleblower has confirmed this,” Afrifa-Mensah stated. “Where is the gold going? Mahama used it as collateral during his campaign, and we need to know who is benefiting now. He’s trying to pay back with gold, and this issue must be investigated.”
The media personality further questioned why Mahama, a former president, would be engaging with the military leaders of coup-prone countries—a move he considered unorthodox for a civilian leader. He implied that Mahama’s campaign financing could be connected to these nations, raising concerns about the potential risks to Ghana’s national security.
“The gold is being diverted, and those who supported Mahama’s campaign didn’t do so out of goodwill,” Afrifa-Mensah concluded.
