Mustapha Gbande Warns of Disconnect Between NDC Government and Grassroots | Discuss Ghana

In a candid assessment of the governing party's internal dynamics, the Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has admitted that the relationship between the party and the government is currently "not the best."

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face tonight, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Gbande expressed concern that the very grassroots supporters who sacrificed to secure the party’s 2024 electoral victory are being overlooked in the current governance structure.

---

The "Grassroots Gap"

While acknowledging that the Mahama administration is performing well and receiving public acclaim for its policies, Gbande warned that a successful government cannot afford to be disconnected from its political base.

"Not the Best": "Since we won elections, the relationship between the party and the government to ensure that we succeed together has not been the best," Gbande stated.

The Conclave Call: He urged the leadership to return to a "conclave" to discuss tangible ways to assist the "ordinary people" and party faithful who worked on the ground to return the NDC to power.

Internal Dynamics: He bluntly noted that the NDC is sometimes "better at cutting the legs of their own than helping them," a culture he insists must change to ensure long-term political survival.

---

The Asiedu Nketiah Intervention

Gbande’s comments shed light on the ongoing efforts by the party leadership to maintain control over the executive arm of government.

Summoning Ministers: He revealed that the National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has had to "summon" Ministers of State to party headquarters for meetings to bridge the communication gap.

Sacrifice vs. Reward: Gbande cautioned that the party risks future apathy if those who "sacrificed their lives" for the victory do not feel the impact of the government’s success. "It will come back to haunt us if those who sacrificed for the party's victory are neglected," he warned on Onua TV earlier this week.

Coordination Gaps: The Deputy General Secretary noted that while the President’s "Accra Reset" and other national policies are working, the administrative "coordination" between the various stakeholders needs urgent improvement.

---

Domestic and International Context

This internal critique comes at a busy time for the NDC government:

The Nairobi Return: President Mahama has just returned from the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya, where he championed continental health sovereignty.

The Amsterdam Crisis: The party is currently managing the diplomatic fallout following the detention of the MP for Asante Akyem North, Kwame Ohene Frimpong, in the Netherlands.

The "Big Push" Pressure: Ministers, such as Governs Agbodza (Roads), are currently on nationwide tours to ensure infrastructure projects are meeting deadlines, adding to the high-pressure environment within the administration.