Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, a Democracy and Development Fellow in Public Law and Justice at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has outlined the top 10 ways a Ghanaian President can lose public goodwill.

Dubbed the “Umuofia Checklist,” the incisive piece exposes leadership missteps that can erode public trust and alienate the citizenry.

One of the quickest routes to losing public goodwill, according to Professor Asare, is limiting access to diverse perspectives. He asserted that leaders who surround themselves with sycophants foster an echo chamber of flattery and shield themselves from reality and critical advice, adding that such an approach breeds a governance style detached from the needs of the populace.

Again, the renowned Professor highlighted the detrimental effects of appointing unqualified individuals to key positions. He pointed out that this practice not only leads to inefficiencies and losses but also accelerates public distrust, asserting that when expertise is overlooked for patronage, the governance machinery grinds to a halt.

“Ignore Public Concerns: Dismiss or ridicule pressing societal issues such as unemployment, inflation, and corruption, alienating those who raise these concerns. Insist on building expensive and needless monuments. Go for highly unpopular and regressive taxes.”
Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, D&D Fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana)

Abuse Power for Personal Gain, Show Insensitivity During Crises E’tal

The abuse of presidential authority for nepotism, cronyism, or self-enrichment is another red flag. Professor Asare warned that placing personal gain above national welfare not only erodes goodwill but also undermines the ethical foundation of leadership.

Empathy is a cornerstone of effective leadership. The professor called out leaders who display insensitivity during moments of national pain, whether by delaying action or issuing tone-deaf statements.

He humorously pointed to instances where leaders remind citizens that their suffering is a result of electoral choices, exacerbating the sense of alienation.

Tolerating corruption, incompetence, and resource misuse among public officials signals a culture of impunity. Professor Asare emphasized the symbolic weight of actions such as firing an Auditor-General for being overly diligent, which sends a message that accountability is unwelcome.

For Professor Asare electoral promises are sacred bonds between leaders and the electorate, arguing that breaking these promises—especially those centred on transparency and integrity—fuels public cynicism. Professor Asare’s critique pointed to the quick abandonment of past commitments as a key factor in eroding trust.

Prioritize Political Expediency Over National Interest

Decisions driven by partisan loyalty rather than the common good are another pitfall. Professor Asare highlighted actions such as instituting meaningless holidays as distractions, rather than addressing substantive national challenges.

According to him, a free press and vibrant civil society are cornerstones of democracy, adding that leaders who stifle criticism by cracking down on opposition voices, media outlets, and civil society organizations undermine democratic values. Such actions breed resentment and diminish goodwill.

Lastly, the Centre for Democratic Development D&D Fellow in Public Law and Justice pointed out that over-promising and under-delivering on key sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, education, and the economy leave citizens disillusioned.

Professor Asare poignantly noted the confiscation of savings as a glaring example of governance failure that can obliterate public trust.

Professor Asare’s critique serves as a cautionary tale for Ghana’s political leaders. His comprehensive checklist underscores the importance of ethical governance, empathy, and accountability in maintaining public goodwill.