President Mahama breaks silence over alleged ownership of Chain Homes Estate

President John Dramani Mahama has dismissed long-standing claims that he owns the Chain Homes Estate, describing the allegation as a myth repeatedly circulated among residents.

Speaking at a community gathering in the estate, Mahama recounted how he and his family originally moved into the neighbourhood as tenants, after struggling to find a place to rent.

According to him, the property they first occupied was not owned by him but belonged to a private individual who handed it to Chain Homes to manage as a rental property.

“And so, while we roamed and we're looking for a place to rent and we didn't get, finally they said oh There's a place at Chain Homes. There's Chain Homes So go and check there. So, when we came round (0:14) It was my daughter.

“And somebody had built his house in the corner there and given it to Chain Homes and asked them to rent it. So, he said oh, there's this property in the corner there. See if you like it and so Lordina went and said oh look, we have no choice anyway, so it's not about whether we like it, we'll take it. And so that's how we came to this neighborhood, "he said.

He said his family had no special preference, adding that they accepted the house simply because they needed accommodation at the time.

Mahama said he soon realised he already knew several residents in the estate, including former colleagues and schoolmates, which helped him integrate quickly into the community.

He recalled how residents later encouraged him and his family to make the estate their permanent home, after which land was granted to them to build a house.

Addressing the ownership rumours directly, Mahama said some people jokingly claim the estate belongs to him.

"Indeed, they believe the estate belongs to me. So, all of you who bought these houses bought them illegally because you should have paid the money to me," he said sarcastically, drawing laughter from the audience.

He added, "If you paid your money to Addai and Co., please ask for a refund and bring my money."

Mahama also shared a light-hearted story about the military security presence introduced after he became President, which he admitted made the neighbourhood look intimidating.

While he apologised to neighbours at the time, he said one resident amusingly welcomed the armoured vehicles, saying they helped keep unwanted visitors away.