President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has stated that he actively monitors criticism on social media platforms, including TikTok, to gauge public sentiment and evaluate his government's performance. During an engagement with the Ghanaian community in Moscow, Russia, President Mahama emphasized that criticism from citizens helps him identify areas for improvement and hold ministers accountable for challenges in their respective sectors.
President Mahama revealed that he regularly comes across public complaints online and sometimes contacts ministers directly to demand explanations and find out what is being done to address the concerns. He stressed that he does not take offence when citizens accuse him of leading the country in the wrong direction, emphasizing that criticism helps him improve his leadership.
The President cited an example of how online feedback informed government action, saying that he was made aware of a bridge in the Ashanti Region that had been washed away due to illegal mining activities. He immediately forwarded the complaint to the responsible regional minister, who subsequently visited the area and identified a blocked channel contributing to the problem. An excavator was deployed to clear the obstruction and restore water flow.
President Mahama described new media as an advantage for governance, urging Ghanaians to continue speaking out against developments they consider detrimental to the country's progress. He encouraged citizens to prioritize accountability over political affiliations, arguing that concerns about the direction of the country should attract criticism regardless of the party in power.
The President made these remarks during an engagement with the Ghanaian community in Moscow, Russia, where he interacted with citizens and addressed their concerns. He assured citizens that their social media posts and videos do not go unnoticed, adding that he considers the platforms an important source of real-time information on developments across the country.
President Mahama's emphasis on the importance of social media in governance highlights his commitment to transparency and accountability. By engaging with citizens online and offline, he aims to ensure that his government remains responsive to the needs and concerns of the Ghanaian people.
The President's comments on social media monitoring have been seen as a positive step towards fostering a more open and inclusive government. As Ghana continues to navigate the complexities of modern governance, President Mahama's approach is expected to encourage more citizen engagement and participation in the country's development.
Key points
- President Mahama monitors social media, including TikTok, to assess government performance and hold ministers accountable.
- The President uses online feedback to inform government action and address public concerns.
- President Mahama encourages citizens to prioritize accountability over political affiliations and continue speaking out against developments detrimental to the country's progress.
