President John Dramani Mahama says he monitors criticism on TikTok and other social media platforms, using citizens’ complaints to assess his government’s performance and challenge ministers over problems in their sectors.
Speaking to the Ghanaian community in Moscow, Russia, he said he regularly saw public concerns online and would sometimes contact ministers directly to demand explanations and ask what action was being taken.
Mr Mahama said he did not take offence when citizens accused him of leading Ghana in the wrong direction, arguing that criticism could help 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.
The President explained that reports in the traditional media and on social media helped him identify issues requiring the government’s attention. He said he used that information to question ministers about developments in their areas of responsibility.
“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 said.
He assured Ghanaians that their posts and videos were not being overlooked, describing social media as an important source of real-time information about events across the country.
“So all your TikToks and things, don’t think I don’t see them. I see them,” he said.
Mr Mahama cited a complaint about a bridge in the Ashanti Region as an example of how online feedback could lead to government action. The bridge had reportedly been washed away following illegal mining activities, he said.
After seeing the complaint, he said he sent it immediately to the responsible regional minister. The minister then visited the area and found that a blocked channel was contributing to the problem.
An excavator was subsequently used to remove the obstruction and restore the flow of water.
“That is how you solve some of these things,” Mr Mahama said.
The President described new media as an advantage for governance and encouraged citizens to continue raising concerns about developments they believe are harming the country’s progress.
He also urged Ghanaians to place accountability above political loyalty. Concerns about the country’s direction, he said, should be criticised regardless of which political party is in power.
