A photo of President John Dramani Mahama

The Executive Director of Peace Watch Ghana, Madam Nyonkopa Daniels, has expressed disappointment in President John Dramani Mahama for granting self-styled evangelist Patricia Asiedu, popularly known as Agradaa, an audience during the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving held on July 1, 2025.

Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Madam Daniels stated that although President Mahama is widely admired for his kind-hearted nature and forgiving spirit, allowing Agradaa to engage with him publicly—after she had insulted and vilified him prior to the elections—was, in her view, a poor decision that has angered many within the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“I am disappointed in President Mahama for granting Agradaa an audience. She subjected him to insults and false accusations ahead of the elections. I know the president is not vindictive, but this sends the wrong signal—that when you insult our leaders, you will eventually be granted an audience,” Madam Daniels remarked.

Her comments came after Agradaa, in an interaction with journalists at the State House, stated that even if she failed to make it to heaven, she would still feel fulfilled because she had hugged President Mahama.

Agradaa had joined members of the clergy, civil society organizations, and citizens at the prayer event aimed at fostering unity and national stability.

Madam Daniels, however, argued that such public interaction with a controversial figure like Agradaa undermines respect for leadership and encourages the normalization of insults as a path to recognition.

“I have received numerous calls from people expressing displeasure at the president for this. We know Mahama has a good heart, but even Jesus Christ disciplined people when necessary. I also blame his security detail for allowing the woman to hug him,” she added.

She further stressed the need for Ghanaian society to move away from a culture that rewards insults and disrespect toward leaders, cautioning that such behavior sets a dangerous example for the youth.

“We must stop incentivizing people to insult others. We must end vindictive behavior and discourteous speech. This conduct is harmful and sends the wrong message—that insulting others is the only way to get attention,” she concluded.