Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has shed light on the ongoing internal discussions regarding double roles of party executives serving in government.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr Gbande confirmed that a committee has been tasked to examine the issue, and its findings will soon be made public.
“There is a committee working on it, and the findings will come out soon. We are weighing the options carefully to strengthen the party and ensure effective governance,” he said.
His comments come in the wake of reports that the NDC is preparing to issue a directive requiring all government appointees who also hold party positions to resign from their party roles.
The proposed move, reportedly backed by the Political Committee, Functional Executive Committee, and Council of Elders, is aimed at reinforcing party structures and restoring accountability.
However, Gbande cautioned that the matter should not be viewed as a power struggle or a rejection by the President.
“It is not that President Mahama doesn’t want people to hold party positions. In fact, he wants those in government to remain loyal and accountable to the party base,” Gbande explained.
He added that because President Mahama is often occupied with national duties, it is important to have party-aligned individuals in government who can “check and balance” decisions and remain in touch with the grassroots.
“Where the President is, he can be busy all day and not know what is happening at the grassroots. That is why party executives in government are important to keep the connection between government and the people,” he said.
Mr Gbande stressed that anyone appointed by the President but who fails to serve the people or pushes personal agendas over party priorities will be held accountable.
“If you are an appointee and your personal agenda becomes more important than the party’s goals, then you are not serving the President. And we won’t sit back and allow anyone to undermine what the party has fought for,” he warned.
He revealed that about 70% of government appointees under the Mahama administration are people with deep roots in the party, mentioning names like Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Kofi Boah, and Kwame Agboga.
“These are not technocrats brought in from outside. They are grassroots people, and that shows the President’s commitment to building a party-government bridge,” he said.
Despite serving in the Presidency, Mr Gbande stressed his personal loyalty to the party above all.
“Given the chance, I will still choose party work. I’m not a statesman. I’m a political person, and my commitment is to the party,” he said.
He concluded by urging appointees to act in ways that reflect the values and intentions of President Mahama.
“When the President is not around, you as an appointee must act as he would. If you don’t, then you’re creating problems for the party, and we will not allow that.”
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