Former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has stated that he is unfazed by personal insults and attacks directed at him. He made these remarks during an engagement with Ghanaians in New York on Friday, September 25, 2026. According to President Mahama, his focus remains on doing what he believes is right for Ghana and Africa, despite the growing culture of insults and vilification on social media.
President Mahama's comments come amid a wider discussion about the regulation of social media platforms, particularly TikTok. He expressed concerns about the balance between freedom of expression and the use of social media to publish abusive or harmful content. The former President emphasized that as a leader, he has developed resilience to withstand personal attacks, having been exposed to intense criticism during his previous tenure as President.
During his engagement with Ghanaians in New York, President Mahama drew from his experience in Ghanaian politics and public office, where he was subjected to vilification and personal attacks, including during his previous presidency. He described his ability to withstand such attacks as having a "crocodile skin," implying that insults do not affect him. President Mahama remains committed to doing what he believes is right, despite criticism directed at him.
The former President questioned the implications of allowing social media platforms to operate freely, without regulation. He asked, "I can go to Cabinet and say, lay off, let anybody insult anybody, let's leave it free for all and don't arrest anybody for anything they say. We can do that, but is that what we want?" President Mahama's comments reflect his concerns about the potential consequences of unregulated social media use.
President Mahama's engagement with Ghanaians in New York was an opportunity for him to address concerns and share his perspectives on various issues. His discussion on social media regulation and personal attacks reflects his interest in promoting constructive dialogue and responsible online behavior. The former President's statements have sparked further debate about the role of social media in Ghanaian society.
The issue of social media regulation has become a pressing concern in Ghana, with many stakeholders calling for a balance between freedom of expression and the need to protect citizens from harm. President Mahama's comments have contributed to the ongoing discussion, highlighting the need for a nuanced approach to regulating social media platforms. His experience and perspectives as a former President have added depth to the conversation.
President Mahama's statement that he is unfazed by insults has been widely reported in Ghanaian media. His remarks have sparked reactions from various stakeholders, with some praising his resilience and others expressing concerns about the implications of his comments for social media regulation. The debate is expected to continue, with President Mahama's statements contributing to a more informed discussion about the issues at stake.
Key points
- President Mahama has described himself as having a "crocodile skin" to insults and personal attacks.
- The former President has expressed concerns about the regulation of social media platforms, particularly TikTok.
- President Mahama remains committed to doing what he believes is right, despite criticism directed at him.
