I have a crocodile skin; I don’t mind being insulted – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama says years in Ghanaian politics have toughened him against personal attacks, insisting that insults will not distract him from pursuing what he considers right for Ghana and Africa.

Speaking at a town hall meeting with Ghanaians in New York on Friday, September 25, 2026, Mr Mahama addressed concerns about the growing use of insults, vilification, and personal attacks on social media.

The President said his experience in public office, including his previous tenure and subsequent electoral defeat, had given him the resilience to withstand criticism.

“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. So if you insult me, I don’t mind. You insult me, I don’t mind, and indeed, I am doing what I can for my country and my continent. I am doing what I can for Ghana and Africa,” he said.

Mr Mahama said his priority remained doing what he believes is in the interest of the country, despite the criticism that may come with his decisions.

His comments also touched on the broader debate over how Ghana should deal with abusive and potentially harmful content on TikTok and other social media platforms.

“I will do what is right. I don’t mind the insults, but all of us have to decide what we want to do with TikTok. 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?” he asked.

The President’s remarks come as discussions continue over the appropriate balance between protecting freedom of expression and addressing abusive, threatening or harmful content on emerging digital platforms.

Also read:

• Prince David Osei incur wrath of NDC supporters for insulting Mahama

• ‘We can live with insults, but not incendiary language’ – Kwakye Ofosu