Former President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaians to speak up when they notice decisions that could harm the country, regardless of their political affiliations. He made the remarks during an interaction with members of the Ghanaian community in Moscow, Russia, on Thursday, October 29, 2026. Mahama emphasized the importance of public accountability and encouraged citizens to express their concerns about government performance.
Mahama recalled Ghana's previous debt crisis, saying citizens and experts failed to raise concerns about the country's borrowing. He mentioned that the country borrowed heavily from the international market for consumption, leading to financial difficulties that affected investors, pensioners, and the country at large. The former President cited a specific instance where Ghana borrowed $3 billion every year, resulting in a total of over $13 billion from the Eurobond market.
The former President said he had previously accused the former finance minister of cooking the books, stating that the actual debt was higher than reported. Mahama expressed regret that nobody spoke up despite warning signs, and the country eventually fell into financial difficulties. He emphasized that citizens, including experts and researchers, should not remain silent when they notice decisions that could harm the country.
Mahama stated that he is prepared to receive criticism from Ghanaians, even when they disagree with the direction of his government. He said criticism helps him improve his leadership and urged citizens to speak up when they believe leaders are making decisions that could put the country at risk. Mahama's comments serve as a call for Ghanaians to learn from the country's past financial difficulties.
The former President also mentioned that he monitors social media complaints and concerns about government performance. He said social media platforms, including TikTok, help him stay informed about public sentiments and share them with appointees for attention. Mahama's interaction with the Ghanaian community in Moscow was an opportunity for him to engage with citizens and share his perspectives on leadership and accountability.
Mahama's urging of Ghanaians to speak up against leadership failures comes as a call for collective responsibility in ensuring the country's progress. He emphasized that citizens should not remain silent when they notice decisions that could harm the country, regardless of their political affiliations. The former President's remarks highlight the importance of public accountability and citizen engagement in Ghana's governance.
In conclusion, Mahama's message to Ghanaians is to be vigilant and speak up when they believe leaders are making decisions that could put the country at risk. He emphasized that criticism helps him improve his leadership and encouraged citizens to express their concerns about government performance. The former President's call for public accountability and citizen engagement is a reminder of the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring Ghana's progress.
Key points
- Mahama urges Ghanaians to speak up against leadership failures.
- The former President recalls Ghana's previous debt crisis and its consequences.
- Mahama monitors social media complaints to stay informed about public sentiments.
