President John Dramani Mahama has recounted how heightened security during his presidency transformed the atmosphere of Chain Homes, drawing humour from what he described as an intimidating but temporary arrangement.
Speaking to residents, Mahama said security protocols changed abruptly after he assumed office.
“Soldiers came and said now that you are commander-in-chief, we have to take over your security,” he recalled.
He said armoured vehicles were deployed around his residence, altering the character of the neighbourhood.
“Before I knew it, they brought armoured cars here, armoured cars there,” he said. “The place looked very intimidating.”
Mahama said he apologised to neighbours for the inconvenience, assuring them the arrangement would not be permanent.
“I said please bear with me. It’s just for four years,” he told the gathering.
One neighbour, however, had a different reaction.
“He said the armoured cars are not enough. Let them bring more,” Mahama said, drawing laughter from the crowd.
The president used the anecdote to underscore the unusual adjustments public office sometimes imposes on private community life.
