‘I prefer to sack a politically exposed Director and employ 20 others’ – Gbande

The Director of Operations at the Presidency, Mustapha Gbande, has stated that he would rather dismiss a politically exposed New Patriotic Party (NPP) director and replace them with 20 new employees.

According to him, individuals who served in key roles under the previous administration but still occupy strategic positions in state institutions pose a risk to good governance.

Speaking on JoyFM’s Top Story, Mr. Gbande argued that corruption in Ghana’s public institutions is often fueled by politically compromised figures who use their influence to manipulate systems for partisan gain.

“The NDC’s argument is that the corruption we have all talked about did not happen because of one minister or deputy minister. It happened within the institutions, the agencies, the directors of finance, and those who perpetrated it did so because they were politically compromised,” he said.

He stressed that there is no need for a court to determine who is politically exposed, as their actions and affiliations are already well known. “We know those who played key roles under President Akufo-Addo’s regime. They believed in that regime and participated in it, whether good or bad. So what business do they have in this government? Why are we tolerating them?” he questioned.

Mr. Gbande’s comments come amid rising pressure from the grassroots of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), who have been demanding job opportunities and appointments since the party’s victory in the 2024 elections.

He cited the ongoing challenges with school placement as an example, claiming that many of the individuals managing the system are still aligned with the NPP.

Responding to concerns about inclusivity, Mr. Gbande said the NDC government remains committed to providing opportunities for all Ghanaians but insisted that loyalty must also be recognized.

“Nine months into government, when the people have freed the country and we are undergoing vigorous economic recovery, everyone is praising the president. One would appreciate that that commitment is on course,” he noted.

He continued, “But I prefer to sack a senior director who is politically exposed and employ 20 people – 15 NDC people, 5 NPP grassroots people. I would be happy for that to happen because the corruption didn’t happen at the grassroots of NPP or the grassroots of NDC, it happened at the Ministries and agencies.”

Mr. Gbande also dismissed criticisms that the government’s flagship 24-hour economy policy is merely a political slogan, insisting it is a robust and transformative initiative.

“It is not a knee-jerk policy, it’s a vigorous policy that will be implemented gradually, and the full effect of it will be seen,” he assured.

He added that unlike the previous administration, the Mahama-led government is focused on “pragmatic achievements” that will transform the economy and restore public trust.

“We sat in this country for the NPP to give us hope for eight years, and nothing happened. We are seeing pragmatic achievement, and you don’t trust in the government?” he asked.