Should a good leader be feared or loved? A critical look at Ghana’s recent presidential leadership styles

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?

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.

Fear, Respect and the Exercise of Power The contrast between these two leadership styles raises a fundamental question: is a leader more effective when people admire them or when they fear them?