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, emphasizing that criticism helps him improve his leadership.
"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.
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.
