Policy analyst and political commentator, Dr. Razak Kojo Opoku, has expressed concern over how presidents engage with stakeholders during and after their tenure in office, describing the practice as “unfair to the principles of leadership.”

According to him, presidents often limit consultations to only a select few while in power, but after leaving office, they expect the sitting president to regularly seek their counsel.

He argued that this double standard undermines genuine leadership and inclusiveness.

“When we are in power as President, we hardly consult people outside our inner circles—what we call the kitchen cabinet,” Dr. Opoku noted.

“But when we become former presidents, we expect the sitting president to consult us.

This is seriously unfair to the principles of leadership.”

Dr. Opoku stressed that effective leadership must be rooted in transparency, broader stakeholder engagement, and a willingness to draw from diverse expertise, regardless of political position or status.

He urged leaders, especially presidents, to embrace open consultation throughout their tenure, not only after leaving office.

He further called for a deeper national conversation on how leaders can be more inclusive and accountable while in office, to ensure that governance reflects the broader interests of the citizenry.