Reward party faithful who brought government to power – Salam Mustapha

People who work to bring a political party to power deserve recognition and support once the government is formed, according to the National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party, Salam Mustapha.

Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana with host Moro Awudu, Mustapha said party executives and grassroots workers often come under pressure because they are seen as the bridge between government and party supporters who expect relief after elections.

He said party officials play a central role in winning political power, yet many of them are sidelined once government appointments begin.

“People who work for the party to come to power must be rewarded,” he said, noting that expectations placed on national executives are often overwhelming.

Mustapha compared the situation to what he described as similar frustrations within the ruling National Democratic Congress, where party executives also feel neglected despite their role in securing electoral victory.

According to him, many party members place high value on the positions held by executives and believe those offices should translate into support when they are in need.

“When people come to you with demands because of the position you occupy, you cannot completely ignore them,” he said.

Sharing a personal experience, Mustapha recounted receiving a call from a young man who identified himself as a party member and pleaded for GHS 500 to buy medicine for his wife, who had been admitted to the hospital.

“I thought about it for a while and later decided to send the money,” he said. “The young man later called to thank me, but told me his wife did not survive.”

He described such encounters as emotionally difficult but common for party executives, who are constantly faced with requests they do not always have the capacity to meet.

“Everyday, we receive demands,” Mr Mustapha said. “We are unable to meet many of them, and those we cannot help often feel hurt.”

He stressed that while party executives cannot solve every problem, the contributions and sacrifices of party faithful should not be overlooked once political power is attained.

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