Former UT Bank boss and founder, Captain (Rtd) Prince Kofi Amoabeng, says leadership is not about keeping people comfortable but about enforcing accountability, even when it means sacking close allies.

Speaking on Joy News’ AM Show recently, he argued that nations only progress when leaders are willing to sanction poor performance from the top.

“Yes, because you must be a bit crazy to say this is where we’re going, and if you’re not doing it, you get the sanctions, even if it means sacking,” he said.

His comments came in a wide-ranging assessment of leadership, governance, and institutional strength, with a particular focus on President John Mahama’s leadership style.

Prince Amoabeng described President Mahama as humane, humble, and respectful of people, saying he has feelings for others and relates easily across society.

“I would say without any doubt that he’s quite humane and has feelings for people. He goes for the general road. He has humility… and he means well,” he noted.

He acknowledged improvements in key economic indicators under Mahama’s leadership, including inflation trends and the cedi’s performance, but said public optimism remains guarded because of past economic difficulties.

Prince Amoabeng stressed that Ghana’s real challenge lies beyond personalities and economic numbers, and rests in rebuilding strong, independent institutions.

He said the judiciary, in particular, must be trusted and empowered to function without interference, warning that weak institutions discourage investment and stall national development.

“I always think that whether we succeed or not depends on the kind of judiciary that we create,” he stated.

According to him, businesses cannot thrive if disputes cannot be resolved fairly and efficiently.

“Without that, things won’t happen. Businesses won’t succeed. People won’t come and invest,” he added.

On leadership at the highest level, Prince Amoabeng said presidents are ultimately judged by their ability to demand performance and enforce discipline within their teams.

He expressed uncertainty about Mahama’s willingness to take tough decisions against underperforming appointees, pointing to concerns raised even by members of previous governments.

“The only thing I’m not sure about our president is that he loves to see people happy. He wants to please people,” he said.

He warned that such an approach can undermine governance if not balanced with firm accountability.

“With responsibilities, you make them responsible and accountable,” Prince Amoabeng stressed.

Drawing lessons from countries like Singapore, Rwanda, Japan, and China, he said, successful nations combine care for citizens with strict enforcement of rules.

“Sanction always helps,” he said, arguing that discipline is not cruelty but a necessary tool for making systems work.

For Prince Amoabeng, affection alone cannot build nations. Accountability must come first.