Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, says the concerns raised by party supporters over the appointment of a former aide to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to a role at the Presidency are legitimate and justified.
Speaking on Face to Face on Channel One TV, Gbande described the decision as “unpopular” and “a bad one” from the perspective of NDC grassroots members, even though he acknowledged the national context in which President John Dramani Mahama made the appointment.
The appointment, though not officially announced, reportedly involves a former Bawumia staffer now working at the Jubilee House—sparking widespread discontent among NDC supporters, with some demanding her removal.
“I think that our party people have under-reacted. And it is so legitimate. But you must also understand where President John Dramani Mahama finds himself. The overwhelming votes show that quite a number of Ghanaians believed in the NDC. And so, President Mahama will be a mean President if he prioritises only his children—the NDC people,” Gbande explained.
He noted that President Mahama is trying to build an inclusive government that reflects national unity, not just party loyalty.
“He needs to demonstrate a Ghanaian government that we promised the people of Ghana—to create a platform for every Ghanaian to prosper and flourish. And so, navigating these complexities, he would make some decisions that are very unpopular, that would hurt our feelings.”
Despite defending the president’s broader intentions, Gbande was clear in his personal disagreement with the move.
“I personally believe that it’s a decision that, as a party person, it shouldn’t have been taken. I think that we can help here if we have to, because we continue to do political repairs… When it hits the party people, it’s within their right to react and express their displeasure,” he added.
Gbande said supporters feel alienated when non-party members are prioritized over loyal NDC workers, and stressed that their reaction should not be dismissed.
“This lady’s appointment—they are right in their reaction. I have told my bosses that it wasn’t a good decision. Explanations have been offered, and it’s a good one. But the pain still lingers.”
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