President John Dramani Mahama has stated that criticism directed at his administration makes him a better leader rather than offending him.

He noted that he is receptive to opposing views and public scrutiny, adding that criticisms of his government's policies and decisions allowed him to reassess his approach and make the necessary adjustments.

“I don’t mind if people tell me I am leading the country in the wrong direction because I am trying to do my best. Criticism helps me to do better. So when people criticise me and say this is not right, I am not offended. So all your TikToks and things, don’t think I don’t see them. I see them.”

He made this known during an engagement with members of the Ghanaian community in Moscow, Russia.

Meanwhile, the former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has noted that Ghana’s democracy can only be strengthened when citizens are free to express themselves without fear of arrest or prosecution for their speech.

In an official statement, Dr Bawumia noted that those who oppose and speak freely against politicians should not face arrest or prosecution for expressing their views, as they all contribute to strengthening Ghana's democracy through open and free public discourse.

“Ghana's democracy is strengthened when citizens, including those who oppose us, can speak freely without fear”.

His comment follows a plea urging the government to release a National Democratic Congress (NDC) organiser in Agona West who is facing charges over alleged offensive comments made about him.

According to Dr Bawumia, he neither lodged complaints nor sanctioned the prosecution of individuals who spoke against him during his tenure as Vice President or while the NPP was in government, believing such actions would be imprudent and contrary to democratic principles.

The statement said, “Dr. Bawumia wishes to state, clearly and unequivocally, that he has neither lodged any complaint nor sanctioned any prosecution against this young man or any other citizen. He does not desire, and will not endorse, the arrest or prosecution of any Ghanaian in his name for speech.

“He therefore respectfully calls on the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to discontinue this prosecution and any similar actions purportedly undertaken on his behalf, and to release the young man to return to his family and his livelihood”.

Meanwhile, Dr Bawumia has added to the many individuals cautioning President John Dramani Mahama against assenting to the recently passed Tribunals Bill, 2026 passed by Parliament.

The Tribunals Bill, 2026, was passed by Parliament on Thursday July 16, following the completion of its third reading and subsequent approval by members of the House.President John Dramani Mahama is expected to give his assent in the coming days before it becomes law.The Tribunals Bill therefore seeks to address the lacuna in the legal framework of Ghana regarding tribunals.