President John Dramani Mahama has stated that criticism from citizens on social media, including TikTok, helps him assess his government’s performance and hold ministers accountable for challenges in their respective sectors.
Speaking during an engagement with the Ghanaian community in Moscow, Russia, the President said he regularly comes across public complaints online and sometimes contacts ministers directly to demand explanations and find out what is being done to address the concerns.
He stressed that he does not take offence when citizens accuse him of leading the country in the wrong direction, emphasising that criticism helps him improve his leadership.
JM Meets Ghanaians in Moscow: “I don’t mind if people tell me I’m leading the country in the wrong direction. Criticism helps me to do better, and so all your TikToks, don’t think I don’t see them. I see them.” — President Mahama. https://t.co/sYJgPu17hW
— The1957News (@The1957News) October 29, 2026
"I don't mind if people tell me that I'm leading the country in the wrong direction. I'm trying to do my best. Criticism helps me to do better," he said.
He explained that he uses information gathered from the media and social media platforms to engage ministers on issues requiring attention. "Sometimes I go on the media, and I see something, and I call the minister, and I say, 'Hey, my friend, what is happening in your sector?'" he recounted.
President Mahama assured citizens that their social media posts and videos do not go unnoticed, adding that he considers the platforms an important source of real-time information on developments across the country.
"So all your TikToks and things, don't think I don't see them. I see them," he said.
To show how such feedback informs government action, he cited an online complaint about a bridge in the Ashanti Region that had reportedly been washed away after illegal mining activities.
He said he immediately forwarded the complaint to the responsible regional minister, who subsequently visited the area and identified a blocked channel contributing to the problem. An excavator was deployed to clear the obstruction and restore water flow. "That is how you solve some of these things," he said.
The President described new media as an advantage for governance, urging Ghanaians to continue speaking out against developments they consider detrimental to the country’s progress.
He further called on citizens to prioritise accountability over political affiliations, arguing that concerns about the direction of the country should attract criticism regardless of the party in power.
