The Deputy Director of Operations at the presidency, Mustapha Gbande, has revealed that President John Dramani Mahama is carefully navigating the challenge of balancing technical expertise with loyalty while making key appointments.

In an interview on the JoyNews AM Show, Mr Gbande explained that the President’s decisions are based on a thoughtful evaluation of both competency and loyalty.

He stressed that those appointed must not only be qualified for the roles but also align with the broader goals of the administration.

The President has been criticised for some of his appointments by some grassroots supporters who have, in some cases, demonstrated their opposition through protests.

Mustapha Gbannde emphasised that such reactions to appointments are neither new nor surprising.

"It’s not news, nor a novelty. This happens regularly in government," he said. "Whenever these situations arise, we engage with the grassroots, explain the rationale behind these decisions, and ensure people understand the President’s perspective."

Mr Gbande further noted that this approach marks a shift from previous administrations, where public engagement was often limited.

"We are now consistently engaging with the grassroots, helping them understand our direction and why certain decisions are being made," he concluded.