Mahama blows GHS5.52m monthly on NDC constituency operations

In a startling revelation that has raised questions about the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s use of public resources, the party’s Deputy General Secretary and Deputy Director of Operations at the Office of the President, Foyo Mustapha Gbande, has disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama allocates GH₵20,000 every month to each of the 276 constituencies across Ghana to “service the party.”

According to Mustapha Gbande, who disclosed while addressing party members in the United Kingdom, the funds are directly provided by President Mahama himself. By his own admission, the total amount disbursed monthly to the constituencies amounts to GH₵5,520,000 (five million, five hundred and twenty thousand Ghana cedis).

Over the last 10 months since the NDC returned to power, this translates to an estimated GH₵55,200,000—equivalent to about 550 billion in the old cedi denomination.

Opposition members note that such an amount could finance at least five hospitals under the government’s Agenda 111 initiative—a flagship infrastructure programme aimed at expanding healthcare access nationwide.

The revelation has therefore sparked concern among governance watchers over the use of state resources for partisan purposes, especially given the economic challenges facing the country.

Political Appointments And Patronage

Mustapha Gbande’s comments also shed light on the extent of political patronage within the current administration.

He openly acknowledged that, for the first time in the political history, between eight and ten constituency executives have been appointed into various government offices.

Additionally, regional executives have reportedly assumed responsibilities comparable to regional ministers.

“For the first time in the history of our country,” Gbande said, “about eight to nine executives of every region have been appointed into government. And if you go to the constituencies, about eight or ten executives of every single constituency have been appointed into some office of government.”

“Today, as we speak, GH₵20,000 goes to a constituency every month to service the party, and it comes straight from the President.”

A Party Enriched After 10 Months In Power

The NDC returned to power just ten months ago after spending eight years in opposition.

However, reports from within the party suggest that many of its members are already reaping significant financial benefits from their positions.

Some party insiders have alleged that a number of appointees have purchased houses and luxury vehicles within just a few months of assuming office.

Critics argue that the revelation by Mustapha Gbande confirms long-held suspicions about the blending of government and party interests under the Mahama administration.

Opposition figures have described the GH₵5.52 million monthly expenditure as evidence of a “state-sponsored political machine,” while others say it reflects misplaced priorities at a time when the country faces high inflation, youth unemployment, and stalled infrastructural projects.

Public Reaction and Accountability Concerns

While the NDC leadership has yet to issue an official clarification on Mustapha Gbande’s remarks, opposition members have demanded transparency regarding the source of the funds.

They argue that if the money originates from public coffers, it would constitute a serious breach of public finance laws and an abuse of incumbency.

They have also called for an investigation to determine whether the GH₵20,000 monthly allocations are sanctioned party funds or state resources being channelled through political structures.