The Director of Operations at the Presidency, Mustapha Gbande, says he would rather see a politically exposed New Patriotic Party (NPP) director dismissed and 20 new people employed in their place.

According to him, the government must not tolerate individuals who were deeply involved in the previous administration and are now occupying sensitive positions in state institutions.

Speaking on JoyFM’s Top Story on Wednesday, October 15, Mr. Gbande said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s stance on corruption is clear, that it is often perpetuated by politically compromised individuals within the public sector.

“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 explained.

“You don’t need a court of competent jurisdiction to pronounce someone politically exposed. 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?”

His comments come amid growing pressure on the NDC government from its grassroots, who are demanding jobs and appointments following the party’s victory in the 2024 general election.

Mr. Gbande cited the ongoing challenges with school placement as an example, claiming that the individuals responsible for the system are largely aligned with the NPP.

When asked about the NDC’s campaign promise to create jobs for all Ghanaians regardless of political affiliation, he maintained that the government remains committed to that pledge but stated that there is a need to reward loyalty while promoting inclusivity.

“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 said.

“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 further dismissed suggestions that the government’s flagship 24-hour economy policy is merely a political slogan, insisting it is a “vigorous policy” being implemented gradually with measurable impact.

“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.

"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.