He described public criticism, irrespective of political affiliation, as an important source of feedback that helps his administration identify shortcomings and improve governance.
Speaking to members of the Ghanaian community in Moscow, Russia, the President said he welcomed criticism from citizens, even when they accused his government of taking the country in the wrong direction.
He maintained that such feedback should not be viewed as an attack but as an opportunity to reassess decisions, address challenges and strengthen 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.
Mr Mahama disclosed that he sometimes encounters complaints online and contacts the ministers responsible for the affected sectors to demand explanations.
“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.
He assured Ghanaians that their social media posts, videos and concerns reach his attention, despite the volume of content shared online.
“So all your TikToks and things, don’t think I don’t see them. I see them,” President Mahama said.
To demonstrate how such feedback can translate into government intervention, he cited a complaint about a bridge in the Ashanti Region that had reportedly been washed away following problems linked to illegal mining activities.
The President said he came across the issue on social media and promptly referred it to the minister in charge for attention.
According to him, the minister later inspected the location and identified a blocked channel as part of the problem. An excavator was subsequently deployed to clear the obstruction and restore the flow of water.
“That is how you solve some of these things,” he said.
President Mahama argued that the growing reach of digital platforms gives government an opportunity to receive information from communities in real time, potentially allowing officials to respond to problems before they worsen.
“The new media is an advantage because it gives us information in real time,” he added.
He encouraged citizens to remain vocal when they notice developments that could signal problems with the country’s leadership or governance, insisting that accountability should not be restricted by party loyalties.
“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,” he said.
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