By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, Oct 30, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has openly acknowledged that he monitors social media criticism, including videos on TikTok, and uses public feedback to hold his ministers accountable, declaring that such scrutiny helps him become a better leader.
Speaking during an engagement with the Ghanaian community in Moscow, on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit, President Mahama addressed the growing trend of citizens using social media platforms to critique his government.
Rather than dismissing the commentary, he indicated that the posts serve as a real-time intelligence feed for his administration.
He revealed that he often contacts sector ministers directly after viewing complaints on media or social platforms to demand explanations.
President Mahama said: “There are sometimes when I go to the media and I see something. And I call the minister, I say, hey, my friend, what is happening in your sector?” Mahama recounted.
“And he says this and this and this and that. I said oh, you better take care because I’ve seen this.”
He noted that criticism helps him to be a better leader.
“So, all your TikToks and things, don’t think I don’t see them. I see them,” President Mahama said.
The President emphasised that he does not take offence when citizens accuse him of leading the country in the wrong direction.
“I don’t mind if people tell me I am leading the country in the wrong direction because I am trying to do my best. Criticism helps me do better. So, when people criticise me and say this is not right, I am not offended,” he stated.
To illustrate the efficacy of this informal monitoring, the President cited a specific instance involving a bridge in the Ashanti Region that had reportedly been washed away following illegal mining activities.
President Mahama said when he saw the complaint on social media, he forwarded it to the Ashanti Regional Minister and requested immediate action.
He said the Minister subsequently visited the site and reported back to him.
“That is how you solve some of these things,” he said, describing New Media as an advantage that provides information in real time.
Beyond acknowledging the criticism, President Mahama urged Ghanaians to prioritise national accountability over partisan loyalty.
He reiterated that citizens should speak up when they see warning signs, regardless of which political party was in power.
“The more we see the danger signs that somebody is leading us the wrong way, we must, all of us, not based on partisan leanings, all of us must say no, we’re not going in the right direction,” President Mahama stated.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah