By Issah Olegor
Lawrence Nana Asiamah Hanson, the outspoken entertainment pundit and artist manager popularly known as Bulldog, has ignited fresh national debate after publicly claiming that he receives monthly payments from President John Dramani Mahama, describing the arrangement as a personal gesture of support rather than a formal government appointment.
Speaking in February 2026, Bulldog asserted that the payments began after Mahama started his current term of work, explaining that the President “shares something small” with him from his own salary every month.
He framed the relationship in deeply personal terms, repeatedly referring to Mahama as his “big brother” and “my guy,” while expressing unwavering loyalty to the President’s leadership and political direction.
The claim has drawn attention not only because of its implications, but also because it reinforces Bulldog’s long-standing political alignment with John Mahama.
His support has been consistent and highly visible over the years. In January 2025, he publicly declared his readiness to make personal sacrifices to demonstrate his belief in Mahama’s leadership, even stating he would shave his signature hairstyle if that would symbolise his commitment.
This relationship did not begin in 2025. As far back as 2021, Bulldog publicly thanked both John Mahama and his brother, businessman Ibrahim Mahama, after he was granted bail following legal troubles linked to comments he had made about the previous government.
That episode cemented perceptions of a close political and personal bond between Bulldog and the Mahama family, a bond that has now re-emerged in the spotlight through his payroll claims.
While aligning himself with Mahama, Bulldog has simultaneously positioned himself as one of the fiercest public critics of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Akufo-Addo administration.
Over the years, his rhetoric has been combative, personal, and often controversial, framing himself as a voice of anger for citizens who felt betrayed by government policies.
A central grievance he has repeatedly cited is his personal financial loss following the collapse of Menzgold. Bulldog has claimed he lost GH₵1 million after the government shut down the investment firm, holding Akufo-Addo directly responsible for what he described as an “unfair” closure process that left thousands of customers stranded and financially devastated.
He has consistently argued that the handling of the Menzgold crisis symbolised broader governance failures.
Beyond Menzgold, Bulldog has accused the former administration of corruption and poor leadership, particularly in relation to illegal mining (galamsey).
In late 2024, he publicly suggested that Akufo-Addo and his officials should prepare for imprisonment after leaving office, citing alleged corruption and environmental destruction linked to galamsey.
In one of his most controversial remarks, he sarcastically advised the government to use its final months in power to refurbish Nsawam Medium Security Prison, implying future incarceration.
He has also framed Akufo-Addo’s presidency as one defined by “elitism and mismanagement,” arguing that flagship policies such as “Ghana Beyond Aid” were ultimately overshadowed by economic hardship and the need for a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
According to Bulldog, the economic crisis weakened public trust and exposed structural failures in governance.
His criticisms have extended to what he describes as disrespectful conduct toward citizens and traditional leaders, including public reactions to Akufo-Addo’s comments to flood victims in Akosombo, which he cited as evidence of leadership insensitivity.
Bulldog’s confrontational style has not been without consequences. In January 2021, he was arrested by National Security operatives after stating on UTV’s United Showbiz that the President would not complete his term if Menzgold customers were not paid.
An Accra Circuit Court later convicted him over the comments, though the case was eventually dropped by Akufo-Addo himself.
Bulldog later publicly expressed gratitude for the withdrawal of the case, a moment that briefly softened the long-running political hostility.
However, after the change of government in January 2025, his rhetoric intensified again.
In early 2025, he reportedly warned Akufo-Addo to “pretend he is dead” and remain silent in public life, threatening further attacks if the former President continued to speak on national issues.
