‘I have crocodile skin, so insults don’t bother me’ – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has said he is unfazed by insults directed at him, stressing that his focus remains on doing what he believes is right for Ghana and Africa.

The President made the remarks during an engagement with Ghanaians in New York on Friday, September 25, 2026, where he addressed concerns over the growing culture of insults, vilification and personal attacks on social media.

Mahama acknowledged that, as a political leader who has spent several years in public office, he has faced intense criticism and personal attacks, including during his previous tenure as President.

He said his experience in Ghanaian politics has helped him develop the resilience to withstand such attacks, particularly those directed at him personally.

According to him, he remains focused on discharging his responsibilities as President and contributing to Ghana’s development and Africa’s progress, regardless of the criticism he faces.

“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.

“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?”