The Damongo Member of Parliament and former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has cautioned citizens against placing political figures on pedestals akin to traditional royalty, warning that such behavior weakens Ghana’s democratic foundations.

He explained that portraying politicians as overly powerful or socially superior erodes the core democratic values of fairness, responsibility, and public accountability. According to him, this mindset is widespread within the country and requires deliberate effort to change.

Speaking in an interview on Monday, December 22, Mr. Abu Jinapor compared Ghana’s political culture with that of established democracies abroad. He observed that while officials in those systems are treated with respect, they are not excessively praised or flattered. In contrast, he noted that Ghanaian society often extends the deep respect traditionally reserved for chiefs and kings to elected leaders, a practice he described as inappropriate since politicians are meant to serve the people.

He emphasized that those who hold public office do so at the will of citizens and are accountable to them. Elected leaders, he said, are not rulers but individuals entrusted with responsibilities by the electorate.

While acknowledging the importance of respecting high-ranking offices, Mr. Abu Jinapor urged Ghanaians to remain confident and outspoken in their engagement with political leaders. He stressed that public officials should be recognized primarily as servants of the people, not as monarchs or untouchable figures.