President John Dramani Mahama has said he welcomes criticism of his administration, describing public feedback as an important tool for improving his leadership and addressing challenges across the country.
Speaking during an engagement with members of the Ghanaian community in Moscow, Russia, the President said he does not view criticism as a personal attack but rather as an opportunity to identify problems and hold government officials accountable.
He explained that comments and complaints shared by citizens, particularly on social media platforms such as TikTok, often bring issues to his attention and prompt him to engage ministers responsible for the affected sectors.
“Criticism helps me to do better. And so when people criticise me, and they say, no, this is not right, there are some times I go on the media, and I see something, and I call the minister,” he said.
President Mahama disclosed that he regularly comes across social media posts highlighting challenges in communities and forwards them to the relevant ministers for attention.
Using a recent incident in the Ashanti Region as an example, he said a report about a bridge reportedly affected by illegal mining activities and flooding caught his attention while he was in Moscow.
He said he immediately contacted the Ashanti Regional Minister, who later informed him that a blocked water channel had been identified and an excavator was being sent to clear it to allow water to flow freely.
The President also cited complaints about poor roads, which he said he forwards to the Minister responsible for Roads and Highways, asking for explanations and possible interventions.
According to him, social media has become an important source of real-time information for government, allowing authorities to identify concerns and respond to them more quickly.
“The new media is an advantage because it gives us information in real time,” he stated, assuring Ghanaians that he pays attention to their online complaints and concerns.
President Mahama further urged citizens to put national interest above partisan considerations when assessing the direction of the country, stressing that people must be willing to speak up whenever they believe the government is heading in the wrong direction.
“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,” he said.
