President John Dramani Mahama has said personal insults and criticism directed at him will not distract him from what he believes is his responsibility to Ghana and Africa.
President Mahama made the comments during an engagement with Ghanaians in New York on Friday, September 25, 2026, amid growing public discussion about insults, personal attacks and the use of social media platforms such as TikTok.
The President said his long experience in Ghanaian politics and public service had exposed him to intense criticism, including personal attacks during his previous term in office.
According to President Mahama, those experiences have helped him develop the resilience to withstand criticism directed at him.
Video courtesy of @The1957News
“As a leader, I don’t mind being insulted. I have been insulted, I was vilified, and I was voted out of office, so for me, this skin is a crocodile skin.”
He added that his priority remained contributing to Ghana’s development and advancing issues affecting the African continent.
“I am doing what I can for my country and my continent. I am doing what I can for Ghana and Africa.”
Mahama Calls for Debate on TikTok Regulation
President Mahama also raised questions about how Ghana should approach the regulation of TikTok and other new media platforms.
He said the issue requires a broader national conversation, particularly regarding the balance between freedom of expression, social media abuse and harmful online content. Recent reports on his comments indicate that he questioned whether Ghana should simply allow all forms of speech on social media without consequences.
The President noted that the government could adopt a completely hands-off approach, but challenged stakeholders to consider whether that would serve the public interest.
The discussion comes as governments and media stakeholders continue to examine how TikTok regulation in Ghana, information integrity and online conduct can be addressed while protecting legitimate freedom of expression.
President Mahama’s New York engagement formed part of his programme during the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he also held several international and diplomatic engagements and met with members of the Ghanaian diaspora.
Source: newsthemegh.com