President John Mahama offered light-hearted yet insightful marital advice during a meeting with a delegation from the Western Regional House of Chiefs at the Jubilee House, urging married men to avoid arguing with their wives if they want long-lasting unions.
“Never argue with your wife,” the President joked, sparking laughter from the gathering. “You’ve already lost.”
The moment of humor came as the traditional leaders, led by Nana Kwabena Nketia V, paid a courtesy call that coincided with the President’s 33rd wedding anniversary. The chiefs presented commemorative gifts to celebrate the milestone.
President Mahama recounted a personal story from his 30th anniversary to illustrate the lesson.
“We were in our pastor’s office after church,” he said. “My wife said, ‘Pastor, don’t you see? This marriage has survived because of me. Otherwise, this man, who would want to marry him?’”
Attempting to share in the credit, Mahama responded that the success was due to his calm and patient nature.
“I made the mistake of arguing. My pastor just looked at me in a funny way,” he said. “Later, he pulled me aside and said, ‘Why were you wasting your time? You know you can never win that argument.’”
Taking the advice to heart, the President responded differently the following year.
“When my wife brought up the topic again on our 31st anniversary, I said, ‘Yes, it has lasted because of you. I thank God for your life. I couldn’t have got a better wife than you.’”
“She looked at me and said, ‘Are you correct? Did you wake up well?’” he added with a laugh.
President Mahama concluded, “So never argue with your wife. You won’t win.”
Earlier, Nana Kwabena Nketia V praised the President’s enduring marriage, highlighting the rarity of such milestones in modern times.
“These days, marriages last one year, five years at most,” he said. “For the past 10 years, marriages haven’t lasted long.”
The exchange offered a blend of humor and wisdom, resonating with many as both a celebration of longevity and a reflection on the value of patience and humility in marriage.
