Social media personality Wanja Nyarari has opened up about the deeply personal and unexpected support she received from Ghanaian president John Dramani Mahama following the death of her mother figure, Nancy Wanjiku Wanja.
In an emotional post shared on Saturday, January 24, 2026, Wanja recalled her time serving President Mahama during the tenure of former Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta. She said the bond between them went beyond official duty and grew from a moment of genuine concern.
“SPECIAL APPRECIATION TO MY FATHER, PRESIDENT OF GHANA, H.E. John Dramani Mahama. On my line of duty, I had the honour of serving H.E. John Dramani Mahama during Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure. One morning, as I reported to work, he noticed my eyes were red. Out of deep concern, he asked what was wrong,” she wrote.
Wanja narrated that one morning, while reporting to work, President Mahama noticed her red eyes and asked what was wrong.
She explained that her “Iron Lady,” her mother, was critically ill and relying on an oxygen machine. Moved by her story, Mahama expressed a desire to meet her.
“I told him about my Iron Lady, my mother, who was on an oxygen machine. Without hesitation, he said he wished to meet her,” she shared.
According to Wanja, the Ghanaian leader personally accompanied her to visit her mother at their home in Nairobi.
She recalled how he climbed all the way to the rooftop where her mother sat in the sun for her daily dose of vitamin D, a gesture that left a lasting impression on her.
“We went together to visit my Iron Lady, in the Ghetto . He climbed all the way to the rooftop where she sat in the sunshine, getting her daily dose of vitamin D. A leader. A father. A President,” she added.
She further shared that Mahama asked about her living situation after noticing the neighbourhood, prompting her to open up about her life journey.
It was during this visit, Wanja said, that he embraced her and made a declaration she would never forget, telling her that from that day on, she was his daughter and that his family would also be hers.
“He asked how we had ended up living in NIMA, coz he saw it looked like a slum in Ghana, and I narrated my life story. He then opened his arms and said words I will never forget: “From today, you are my daughter. This is your brother, Sharaf Mahama. When you come to Ghana, I will introduce you to your mummy and your other siblings. You will never be left alone. And your children will be my grandchildren,” Wanja wrote.
Special envoy
Following the death of her mother figure, Wanja said the former president continued to stand by her.
She disclosed that he sent a representative all the way from Ghana to Nairobi to personally deliver condolences, prayers, and both emotional and financial support during the burial period.
She identified the envoy as Rev. Fr Dr Tony Amissah, a psychology lecturer and Dean of Students at Tangaza University, whose presence, she said, brought comfort and spiritual strength when grief weighed heavily on her family.
“During this time of mourning, he sent someone to fly all the way from Ghana to Nairobi to personally convey his condolences, prayers, and support, both emotional and financial. He sent Rev. Fr. Dr. Tony Amissah, a lecturer in psychology and the dean of students at Tangaza University. His presence brought comfort, healing, and spiritual strength at a time when grief weighed heavily on our hearts,” she wrote.
Wanja also noted that throughout her mother’s illness, Mahama regularly checked in on her, asking about her condition and even exploring the possibility of arranging treatment abroad, an option her mother ultimately declined.
“That is how you know you are valued, when those you serve honour your efforts and truly mourn with you. Special appreciation to my Daddy. He saw my tears. He witnessed my pain as I walked the journey with my Iron Lady. He never failed to ask, “How is your mum doing?” and even explored the possibility of taking her to Germany for treatment, which my Iron Lady declined,” she shared.
