Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has launched a scathing critique of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), asserting that if he had been president, “half of their officials would have to run from Ghana” over alleged corruption.
Speaking on Starr Chat with Bola Ray, Gbande praised former President John Mahama for his balanced and measured leadership style, suggesting that Mahama’s tolerance has spared many in the current opposition from facing the full consequences of their actions.
“The NPP should thank President Mahama,” Gbande said. “Because if I were president, half of their officials would have had to run from Ghana for being corrupt.”
He added that while the NDC has broad-based support including from individuals within the NPP, Mahama’s approach has been to focus on national unity and development rather than revenge.
“President Mahama has always tried to be in the middle. That’s why when I see my brothers in the NPP making noise, I feel sad,” he said. “They should thank him. If you had someone like me, it wouldn’t be the same.”
Gbande further accused the previous NPP administration under President Akufo-Addo of failing to prioritize the needs of ordinary Ghanaians, claiming that mismanagement and corruption under the NPP’s rule pushed many citizens into hardship and poverty.
“Go to Circle. See the number of women forced into prostitution just to feed their children. That’s the result of failed leadership, not just poverty. That’s because one politician took what belongs to the poor,” he said, his voice rising with emotion.
When asked whether he had evidence to support his claims of corruption, Gbande insisted he would not engage in malicious communication but affirmed he knows what he is talking about. “I don’t believe in destroying someone’s image. But if I speak, I speak facts.”
Despite his frustration, Gbande acknowledged Mahama’s strategy of focusing on rebuilding the country rather than prosecuting past wrongs.
“He [Mahama] believes in prioritization. Yes, wrongs have been done, but who takes the steer to drive the nation forward? There’s a need to focus on development, on the vulnerable, on the poor.”
