Leadership has long been debated through two contrasting ideas: should a leader command fear to maintain authority, or should a leader inspire love and respect through humility and connection with the people? The question is not simply about whether a leader is popular or powerful, but about the kind of relationship a leader builds with citizens and institutions. The Italian political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli famously argued in my his book “The Prince” that if a leader cannot be both feared and loved, it is safer to be feared because fear can guarantee obedience.
However, he also acknowledged that excessive fear can create resentment. In modern democratic societies, where leaders depend on public trust rather than absolute authority, many argue that being respected and loved is more sustainable than ruling through fear. Ghana’s recent political history provides an interesting case study through the leadership approaches of the current president of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, and his immediate predecessor, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who served as the 5th President of the 4th Republic of Ghana.
Both leaders have had different public perceptions regarding their leadership styles, communication approaches and relationship with citizens. Since returning to the presidency after he won the 2024 presidential election and sworn into office on January 7, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama has been widely described by supporters and some members of the public as a humble, accessible and listening leader. His public engagements have often been characterised by a willingness to interact directly with ordinary citizens, acknowledge public concerns and present himself as someone who understands the daily struggles of Ghanaians.
For many Ghanaians, this approach represents a departure from the perception that political leaders often become distant once they attain power. A leader who listens creates the impression that citizens are not merely voters during elections but active participants in governance. This perception has been strong enough that some supporters and commentators have even raised discussions about the possibility of extending his leadership term beyond the constitutionally allowed two-term limit.
Although Ghana’s Constitution limits presidents to two terms, such conversations reflect the level of personal connection some citizens f…
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