Shahid Mahama Biography: Wiki, Bio, Parent, Siblings & Lifestyle

Want to learn about Shahid Mahama biography? In this blog post, you can learn about the life of the son of former Ghanaian President John Mahama.

Shahid Mahama Biography

Shahid Mahama is one of the sons of former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and former First Lady Lordina Mahama. He is part of a family that includes his siblings: Shafik, Sharaf, Jesse, and Farida Mahama.

Shahid has garnered attention not only due to his lineage but also for his personal pursuits and public appearances. He is known to maintain a private lifestyle; however, he occasionally shares glimpses into his interests and activities. Notably, Shahid is a fitness enthusiast, often engaging in rigorous workout routines. In a recent social media post, he showcased his dedication to fitness by sharing images of himself during a workout session, highlighting his commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

In November 2023, during a visit to the Shai-Osudoku District Hospital to mark his 65th birthday, former President Mahama introduced his children to the public. He humorously noted that both Shahid and his brother Sharaf were single at that time, subtly addressing public curiosity about their personal lives.

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Who is Shahid Mahama Father?

John Dramani Mahama (born 29 November 1958) is a Ghanaian politician currently serving as the 14th president of Ghana, having taken office on 7 January 2025. A prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), he previously held the presidency from 2012 to 2017 and served as Ghana’s fifth vice president from 2009 to 2012.

Before ascending to the vice presidency, Mahama represented Bole Bamboi as a Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2009. He also played a key role in Ghana’s communications sector, serving first as Deputy Minister for Communication from 1997 to 1998, before being appointed the substantive Minister for Communications in 1998.

Mahama first assumed the presidency on 24 July 2012, following the unexpected passing of President John Atta Mills. This made him the first vice president in Ghana’s history to ascend to the presidency due to the death of a sitting president. Additionally, he became Ghana’s first head of state born after the country gained independence in 1957.

He officially secured his first full presidential term in the December 2012 election. However, his bid for re-election in 2016 was unsuccessful, as he lost to Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). This made him the first Ghanaian president to fail in securing a consecutive second term. Despite this setback, Mahama remained politically active and contested again in the 2020 election, where he was once again defeated by Akufo-Addo.

In a historic comeback, Mahama won the 2024 presidential election, defeating then-incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. This victory made him the first president in Ghana’s democratic history to be elected to a non-consecutive second term.

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Early Years

John Dramani Mahama is a member of the Gonja ethnic group from the Savanna Region of Ghana. He was born on 29 November 1958 in Damongo, located in what is now the West Gonja District of the Northern Region. His father, Emmanuel Adama Mahama, was a well-known rice farmer and educator who played a significant role in Ghana’s political landscape. He was the first Member of Parliament for the West Gonja constituency and served as the first Regional Commissioner of the Northern Region under Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah. He later became a senior presidential advisor during Ghana’s Third Republic under Hilla Limann, before the government was overthrown in 1981 by Jerry Rawlings.

Mahama began his early education at Accra Newtown Experimental School (ANT1) before moving to Achimota Primary School as a boarding student. He later attended Ghana Secondary School in Tamale for his secondary education. His higher education journey took him to the University of Ghana, Legon, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 1981 and later a postgraduate diploma in communication studies in 1986. During his time at the university, he was a member of Commonwealth Hall, Legon.

Expanding his academic background, Mahama pursued further studies at the Institute of Social Sciences in Moscow, Soviet Union, specializing in social psychology. He obtained a postgraduate degree in 1988, further strengthening his foundation in communication and governance.

Personal Life and Interests

John Dramani Mahama is married to Lordina Mahama (née Effah), who was born on 6 March 1963. Together, they have five children: Farida, Jesse, Shafik, Shahid, and Sharaf. Their son Sharaf previously played as a striker for Rostocker FC in Germany.

Mahama was born into a Presbyterian Christian family but later became a member of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, following his marriage. His family is multi-faith, comprising both Christians and Muslims.

As a strong advocate for environmental sustainability, Mahama has been particularly focused on addressing single-use plastic waste pollution in Africa. During his tenure as vice president, he actively supported initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting environmental conservation.

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Writing and Public Speaking

Mahama is also a prolific writer, having contributed articles to both local and international publications. As a Member of Parliament, he wrote a newspaper column titled “Mahama’s Hammer”. His essays have appeared in major media outlets, including the Daily Graphic, Ebony, Huffington Post, The New York Times, The Root, and the Louisville Courier-Journal. He was also a featured speaker at the TEDx Great Pacific Garbage Patch Conference in Santa Monica.

Interests and Advocacy

A devoted Afrobeat music fan, Mahama particularly enjoys the music of Fela Kuti. He also has a deep passion for agriculture and innovation, being a farmer himself. His interest lies in leveraging technology to improve agricultural productivity and encouraging young people to see farming as a business opportunity rather than just a means of subsistence.

His commitment to rural development is reflected in his support for the Savanna Accelerated Development Authority (SADA), which seeks to create economic opportunities for people in Ghana’s three northern regions and the Volta Region. Even during official trips abroad, Mahama takes time to visit agricultural establishments to stay updated on new advancements in the sector.

Additionally, he has a strong interest in information and communications technology (ICT), believing that the tech industry can play a key role in economic transformation and job creation in Ghana.

Mahama is the elder brother of businessman Ibrahim Mahama, the owner of Dzata Cement.

Books

Mahama published his first book, a memoir titled “My First Coup d’État: Memories from the Lost Decades of Africa,” on 3 July 2012 through Bloomsbury. The book provides a personal account of his early life as the son of a wealthy government official. He recalls the day in 1966 when he first became aware of the realities of politics—upon learning that Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, had been overthrown in a coup. Reflecting on that experience, he wrote:

“When I look back on my life, it’s clear to me that this moment marked the awakening of my consciousness. It changed my life and influenced all the moments that followed.”

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Honours and Awards

John Dramani Mahama has received numerous honorary degrees, awards, and recognitions for his contributions to governance, economic development, and international diplomacy.

Academic and Honorary Degrees

• Ekiti State University, Nigeria awarded Mahama an honorary doctorate in Public Administration in recognition of his efforts in politico-socio-economic development across Ghana and Africa. Following this, the university passed a resolution to name its Faculty of Management Science after him.
• University of Aberdeen, Scotland conferred on him an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree in March 2016.

International Recognition

• Cuban Friendship Medal: The Cuban government honored Mahama with the Friendship Medal for his strong advocacy against the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba and for his support in securing the release of the Cuban Five.
• Great Cross of the National Order of Benin: Mahama received Benin’s highest national honor from President Yayi Boni.
• Liberty University’s Global Leadership and Economic Impact Award (2022): Presented in Virginia, USA, recognizing his achievements in economic development, women’s education, and governance.

African Leadership and Governance Awards

• African Servant Leadership Award: Presented by the Graduate School of Governance and Leadership for his commitment to public service and leadership.
• Institute of Public Relations Award: Recognized for his leadership acumen and technocratic expertise.
• Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) Award: Honored in 2013 for his contributions to food security and poverty reduction.
• African Political Leader of the Year (2016): Awarded by African Leadership Magazine in South Africa.

Chieftaincy Title

• In March 2024, Mahama was conferred with the chieftaincy title “Kuoro Sabinwero Wajia I” by Kuoro Abu Diyaka Sukabe Ninia, the Paramount Chief of the Buwaa Traditional Area in Ghana’s Upper West Region.

Fellowships and Conferences

Mahama has attended numerous international conferences and fellowships, including:

• Visiting Scholar at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.
• Bill Gates Fellow, in recognition of his commitment to development and innovation.

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Summary of the Political Career and Personal Details of John Dramani Mahama

Who is Shahid Mahama Mother

Lordina Mahama (née Effah; born 6 March 1963) is the current First Lady of Ghana, having assumed the role in January 2025. She previously served as First Lady from 2012 to 2017 during her husband John Dramani Mahama’s first presidency. Before this, she was Ghana’s Second Lady from 2009 to 2012 while her husband served as Vice President.

Before entering national politics as Second Lady, her husband John Mahama was a Member of Parliament for the Bole-Bamboi constituency from 1997 to 2008.

Early Life

Lordina Mahama was born on 6 March 1963 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Effah. She hails from Jema-Ampoma in the Nkoranza District of the Brong-Ahafo Region, Ghana. She is the youngest of three children.

She began her early education at Tishigu Anglican Elementary School in Tamale, before continuing at Ghana Secondary School in Tamale, where she obtained her GCE certificate. It was during her time at Ghana Secondary School that she met her future husband, John Dramani Mahama.

Education and Career

Lordina Mahama pursued training in catering and hospitality management. She studied at Flair Catering Services, gaining skills in the field before advancing her education.

She later earned a degree in Hospitality Management from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). In 2012, she furthered her education by completing a Master of Arts in Governance and Leadership at GIMPA.

In 2019, Mahama expanded her academic achievements by obtaining a Master of Laws (LLM) in Business Law/International Business Law from De Montfort University in the United Kingdom.

Political and Humanitarian Activities

Lordina Mahama played an active role in her husband’s political campaigns, supporting him when he ran as the running mate to John Atta Mills in 2008, and later as the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2012 and 2016 elections. While Mahama won the 2012 election, he lost his re-election bid in 2016.

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As First Lady, she emerged as a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, health awareness, and social welfare initiatives. Her advocacy work focused on:

• HIV/AIDS awareness
• Breast and cervical cancer education
• Support for orphans and vulnerable children
• Protection of women accused of witchcraft

She is also the President of the Lordina Mahama Foundation, a charity dedicated to social welfare and healthcare initiatives. The foundation operates under the motto: “The more we share, the more we have.”

Legacy and Impact

Throughout her tenure as First Lady, Lordina Mahama has been a role model for women in Ghana, using her platform to champion healthcare, education, and gender equality. She continues to support humanitarian efforts and remains actively engaged in philanthropy and governance.

Personal Life

Lordina Mahama is married to John Dramani Mahama, former President of Ghana, and they have five children: Shafik, Shahid, Sharaf, Jesse, and Farida. She is fluent in English, Hausa, Dagbani, and Twi.

Humanitarian Work

Through her charity, The Lordina Foundation, she has positively impacted lives across Ghana. The foundation, with the motto “The more we share, the more we have,” frequently donates essential items, especially during Christmas and other key periods.

Support for Rural Communities

In November 2024, she advocated for better healthcare access in rural Ghana at a health event in Tamale North. She emphasized the importance of regular health screenings and donated vital medical equipment to the Tishigu Health Centre. Her efforts were acknowledged by Tamale North MP Alhassan Suhuyini, who highlighted the contributions of local leaders and the MP’s Common Fund in developing the facility.

Political Roles

Second Lady of Ghana (2009 – 2012)

Lordina Mahama became Ghana’s Second Lady on January 7, 2009, when her husband, John Dramani Mahama, assumed office as Vice President under President John Evans Atta Mills. She served in this role until July 2012.

First Lady of Ghana (2012 – 2017)

Following the passing of President John Atta Mills on July 24, 2012, John Mahama was sworn in as President, making Lordina the First Lady of Ghana. In this role, she championed several causes, including HIV/AIDS awareness, breast and cervical cancer advocacy, and women’s empowerment through vocational training.

President of OAFLA (2015 – 2017)

During her tenure as First Lady, she was elected President of the Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) in June 2015, after previously serving as Vice President for West Africa. She was honored at the 50th International Women Luncheon of the Rainbow Push Coalition in Chicago for her advocacy work supporting vulnerable children in Africa and promoting reproductive health rights.

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Advocacy Work

HIV/AIDS Awareness

From 2013 until the end of her tenure, she worked with the Ghana AIDS Commission to integrate HIV/AIDS services with sexual reproductive health, breast, and cervical cancer screenings across all ten regions of Ghana. She advocated for early diagnosis and treatment while engaging community leaders to raise awareness.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Advocacy

Lordina Mahama played a key role in promoting early detection and treatment for breast and cervical cancer, especially in rural communities. Her foundation supported the immunization of young girls against HPV through the GAVI vaccination initiative.

She represented Ghana at multiple Stop Cervical, Breast, and Prostate Cancer conferences, where she announced the rollout of Ghana’s National Strategy for Cancer Control, aiming to reduce cancer mortality by 30%. At the 9th SCCA Conference in Nairobi, she urged fellow first ladies to move beyond discussions and take tangible actions toward cancer prevention and control.

Support for the Underprivileged

As First Lady, she led initiatives to support orphanages and witch camps, providing food, clothing, and other essentials. Her foundation adopted six orphanages and the Gambaga Witch Camp, where she made frequent donations.

In May 2014, she launched a project to build better accommodation for the women at Gambaga Witch Camp. She also provided food and essentials to Nyohini Children’s Home and the Anfaani Orphanage in Tamale. In 2016, she inaugurated a new accommodation complex for toddlers at Osu Children’s Home and provided Christmas gifts for the children.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she donated preventive supplies to vulnerable communities.

Women’s Empowerment Through Vocational Training

To empower women economically, she initiated the Gambaga Training Centre, a vocational skills hub for women in the Gambaga Witch Camp and surrounding communities. The center provided training in entrepreneurship and skilled trades, with a hostel to accommodate students.

She also partnered with various organizations, including the Chinese Embassy in Ghana, to donate start-up kits to vocational graduates, helping them establish their businesses.

Honors and Recognitions

Lordina Mahama has received numerous awards for her humanitarian and advocacy work, including:

• Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Fordham University.
• Campaign for Cervical Cancer Award (Mozambique).
• Cervical Cancer Advocacy Award (Namibia).
• Induction into the Global Women Leaders Hall of Fame.
• Global Inspiration Leadership Award (Africa-Middle East-Asia Summit, Dubai).
• Traditional Enstoolments:
  • Sompahemaa (Queen Mother) of Nkoranza Traditional Area.
  • Development Queen of Bodom, Ampoma (Brong Ahafo Region), and Anloga (Ashanti Region).

Shahid Mahama Siblings

Shahid Mahama is one of the five children of former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and former First Lady Lordina Mahama. He has four siblings:

1. Shafik Mahama – The eldest son, Shafik Mahama, is known to keep a relatively private life. He studied abroad and is married to Asma Mahama.
2. Sharaf Mahama – Sharaf is a professional footballer who has played for clubs in Ghana and abroad. He is passionate about sports and has also been involved in philanthropic activities, supporting young footballers in Ghana.
3. Jesse Mahama – Jesse Mahama maintains a low profile, with little publicly known about him.
4. Farida Mahama – The youngest of the Mahama children, Farida has gained attention for her social media presence. She has occasionally been seen at public events with her parents and has expressed interest in social issues.

Conclusion on Shahid Mahama Biography

Shahid Mahama, as one of the children of former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and former First Lady Lordina Mahama, is part of a well-known political family. While he maintains a relatively private life compared to his parents, his background is deeply rooted in leadership, public service, and advocacy.

Alongside his siblings, he carries the legacy of a family that has contributed significantly to Ghana’s political and social landscape. Though little is publicly known about his personal endeavors, his connection to a family dedicated to governance, philanthropy, and national development suggests that he may also play a role in shaping the future in his own way.

Mariam Sulaimon

Mariam Sulaimon is a versatile content writer, critical thinker, and researcher passionate about public relations. She crafts compelling SEO articles across diverse niches, including technical, health, and job articles. Her versatility allows her to adapt her writing style to different audiences while maintaining clarity and engagement.