Former Lands and Natural Resources Minister and Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has cautioned Ghanaians against the growing tendency to elevate political leaders to near-royal status, warning that the practice erodes democratic accountability.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, December 22, Mr Abu Jinapor said democracy suffers when politicians are treated as exceptionally powerful or socially superior figures rather than as public servants answerable to the people.
According to him, this mindset remains deeply rooted in Ghanaian society and requires a conscious shift by citizens themselves.
Drawing comparisons with mature democracies, Mr Abu Jinapor noted that while political officeholders are respected in advanced systems, they are not treated with blind reverence.
“In developed democracies, there is courtesy and respect, but not sycophancy,” he said, adding that Ghana has mistakenly transferred traditional reverence reserved for chiefs and kings onto political leaders.
He argued that such cultural overlap blurs the lines between traditional authority and democratic governance, creating an environment where leaders are shielded from scrutiny.
Mr Abu Jinapor stressed that elected officials derive their power solely from the people and must never be perceived as masters of the citizenry.
“They are your employees fundamentally,” he said. “The employers are the people — the citizens employ the President, his government, and all officials of his government.”
While acknowledging the importance of honouring public office, he maintained that respect should not translate into unquestioning loyalty or fear.
“There is nothing wrong with respecting high office,” he added, “but we must be bold enough not to treat political leaders as chiefs or kings. They must be seen for what they are — public servants.”
Mr Abu Jinapor’s remarks highlight a broader concern about civic consciousness and citizen responsibility, underscoring the need for Ghanaians to actively uphold the principles of equality, accountability, and democratic engagement.
