Ghanaians have given out nicknames to every Ghanaian president or head of state since Kwame Nkrumah.
The nicknames are usually based on an attribute of the individual or his performance in office.
Here are the nicknames Ghanaians gave to five presidents and one military head of state.
1. Kwame Nkrumah – African showboy
Nkrumah earned this nickname due to his generally positive performance as president as well as his pan-African activism across the African continent.
2. Ignatius Kutu Acheampong – Fa wo to be gye Golf
The former head of state and some members of his government were notorious for sleeping with young girls and buying them Golf cars.
3. Jerry Rawlings – Mr Boom/ Gyato/
Rawlings’ speeches were said to have the “boom” effect, earning him the “Mr Boom” nickname.
Others also call him “Gyato” because of his fair complexion.
4. John Agyekum Kufuor – Gentle Giant
JA Kufuor was nicknamed “Gentle Giant” because of his huge stature and calm personality.
5. John Atta Mills – Asomdwehene
Atta Millls easily conceded defeat in the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections, prompting Ghanaians to nickname him “Asomdwehene”, to wit: King of peace.
6. John Mahama – Commissioner-General/ Dumsorhene
Mahama’s penchant for commissioning projects prompted Ghanaians to nickname him “commissioner general”.
Others also nicknamed “dumsorhene” (dumsor king) due the power crisis that rocked his administration for years.
Source: GhanaWeb
