Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, Mustapha Gbande, says Ghana is enjoying a more stable political climate and greater media freedom a year after the 7th December 2024 general elections.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, Gbande argued that the country has seen “a stabilised society of unism” under the current administration.

He said the public no longer feels that “a small group of families want to capture this nation,” a claim often echoed during the 2024 campaign season.

According to him, one of the biggest improvements over the past year is the environment for free expression. “At least, journalists are not crying in this country because you are being cajoled to tow the government agenda. People can speak,” he said, pointing to outspoken critics such as Aburunya, who he noted “speaks the way he wants” and remains active despite previous arrests.

Gbande also suggested that the government is demonstrating stronger discipline in spending and more urgency in governance compared to the previous administration.

He cited a petition from chiefs in Berekuso about an abandoned road project as an example of improved responsiveness.

He recounted how chiefs approached his office after struggling to get attention from the Roads Ministry. “When they brought the petition, I didn’t even call the minister. I asked my second to take it to his office,” he explained.

“The following day, the whole Roads Ministry went to Berekuso to meet the chiefs. That is the level of urgency that ministers under President Mahama attach to national duty.”

The Deputy Director contrasted this with what he described as neglect under former President Akufo-Addo, alleging that the Berekuso road project, located within what he called a key NPP enclave, was awarded and later abandoned.

“We thank all of you… Your people who stood up to speak out against the ills, so that we can save this country. We salute all of them,” he said.