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Dr. Mustapha Bande: 'I Pray I Don't Die as a Politician' - A Candid Look at Political Fatigue

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. litician-a-candid-look-at-political-fatigue.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, December 13th 2025 at 4:24 GMT by Ghanaweb.com
      Locale: Greater Accra Region, GHANA

Article Summary: “I Pray I Don’t Die as a Politician” – Mustapha Bande, GhanaWeb, 12 March 2023

The GhanaWeb article titled “I pray I don’t die as a politician” features a candid interview with Dr. Mustapha Bande, a veteran Ghanaian legislator, community activist, and former minister. In a conversation with journalist Akua Agyemang‑Adjei, Bande reflects on his political journey, the challenges he has faced, and the personal toll that public life can take. While the piece is framed as an anecdotal narrative, it offers a broader lens into the complexities of Ghanaian politics, the fragility of public service, and the enduring spirit of those who choose to run in the public eye.

1. The Context: Who Is Mustapha Bande?

Dr. Mustapha Bande, born on 8 February 1965 in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, earned his PhD in Political Science from the University of Ghana. He first entered Parliament in 1997 as the member for the Komenda‑Achang‑Aboad constituency under the banner of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He held the seat for four consecutive terms until 2017, during which he also served as Deputy Minister of Education and later as Minister for Information and National Orientation. In 2018, after a brief period as an independent, he joined the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in a high‑profile party realignment that shocked many in the political establishment.

Bande’s background in civil society, his reputation for being outspoken on corruption, and his penchant for speaking directly to the masses made him a polarizing yet charismatic figure. His willingness to challenge the status quo earned him both fervent supporters and formidable opponents. The interview reveals that he has been the target of political pressure, intimidation, and a number of legal challenges throughout his career.

2. A Personal Testimony of Weariness

The article opens with a seemingly simple yet powerful statement: “I pray I don’t die as a politician.” Bande explains that the phrase is both a lament and a call to action. He has witnessed colleagues and staff who have left the political sphere because of the emotional, physical, and psychological strain it demands. In his own experience, “the long hours, the constant media scrutiny, and the responsibility for the livelihoods of thousands of constituents make the job extremely taxing.”

He details a particular episode in 2013, when his son was diagnosed with leukemia. During this period, he managed to juggle his ministerial duties and a high‑profile parliamentary debate on health policy. “I was running on fumes and guilt,” he says, “and I found myself crying in the meeting room because I couldn’t see my son’s face.” The incident is used to underscore the human cost of being a public servant, a point that resonates with many readers who are familiar with the demands of Ghana’s political life.

3. The Political Landscape of Ghana

To understand Bande’s narrative, the article briefly contextualizes Ghana’s democratic evolution. Ghana celebrated its 24th anniversary of the Fourth Republic in 2022, following the peaceful handover of power from the NPP to the NDC in 2016. Bande’s career straddles this transition period. He recalls the “euphoria” of the 1992 elections, the first multiparty general elections since the 1979 coup, and the subsequent consolidation of democracy in the early 2000s.

The article references key political actors and events that shaped the environment in which Bande operated. Among them are:

• Kofi Abrefa Busia – the first Prime Minister of the Second Republic (1969–1972).
• John Kufuor – NPP president (2001–2009) who fostered economic reforms that Bande supported as Deputy Minister of Education.
• John Atta‑Kufo – NDC president (2009–2013) during whom Bande served as a minister in the opposition.
• The 2016 Presidential election – where the NDC’s John Dramani Mahama was defeated by NPP’s Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo‑Addo.

Bande’s commentary on these leaders highlights both his admiration for the democratic process and his frustration with the “politics of personality” that has become increasingly prevalent in Ghanaian politics. He states that “the electorate is becoming more cynical because they feel that politicians are less accountable than ever before.”

4. The Cost of Political Activism

In the central portion of the interview, Bande turns to the theme of activism and the personal sacrifices it requires. He recounts an incident in 2015 when he led a protest against a proposed amendment to the Education Act that he believed would privilege private schools at the expense of public institutions. The protest turned violent, and he was subsequently detained for 24 hours by the Ghana Police Service on “public order” charges. He attributes this as a turning point where he realized the extent to which “political activism could put one’s life on the line.”

He also reflects on the role of social media in modern politics. While praising the platform for allowing rapid dissemination of ideas, he warns of “digital echo chambers” that amplify misinformation and threaten the mental health of public figures. He calls for “more digital literacy” among constituents and a stricter policy on cyber‑bullying.

5. Mentoring the Next Generation

One of the most compelling parts of the article is Bande’s commitment to nurturing young politicians. He says he has established a scholarship program at the University of Ghana, aimed at students studying political science, public administration, and communications. “I want to create a pipeline of competent, ethical, and resilient politicians,” he says. He cites the names of several alumni who are currently serving as district assembly members, national youth chiefs, and even an upcoming member of Parliament.

Bande is quoted as saying, “The next generation can learn from my failures and successes. We need a political culture that values public service over personal ambition.” The article then links to a separate piece about the scholarship’s launch event, where various Ghanaian dignitaries were in attendance.

6. Future Aspirations

At the end of the article, Bande shares his long‑term vision. He intends to write a memoir that details his life in politics, a narrative that could serve as a guide for future leaders. He also reveals that he is considering a run for the position of Ghana’s Ombudsman, citing his experience dealing with grievances and a desire to hold institutions accountable. “If I can influence the system from a different angle,” he says, “that might be the best way for me to serve my country.”

Bande concludes with a poignant reminder that politics is a calling: “If you choose to serve, make sure your health is in good condition. Because the job can take everything you have.” He finishes with a personal prayer: “May God grant me strength so I can remain a positive force for Ghana, without losing my sanity or my spirit.”

7. Broader Implications

The article uses Bande’s story to illustrate broader issues that affect Ghana’s democratic landscape:

• Political fatigue – The weariness that public servants experience, often leading to premature exits from politics.
• Accountability gaps – The difficulty of holding politicians accountable in an environment where personal loyalty can override institutional norms.
• Civil‑society engagement – The essential role of community activism and how it can drive policy changes.
• Mental health – An under‑addressed issue among political figures, especially given the high level of scrutiny and criticism they face.

The author underscores that Ghana’s democratic system, while relatively stable, still requires a culture shift that promotes mental well‑being, professional ethics, and transparency. He cites research from the Center for Policy Analysis (CPA) indicating a correlation between public trust and the perceived accountability of politicians.

8. Conclusion

In essence, “I pray I don’t die as a politician” is both a personal narrative and a social commentary. Dr. Mustapha Bande’s experiences paint a vivid picture of the rewards and burdens that accompany public office in Ghana. His candid reflections—about his health, his activism, his mentorship, and his future aspirations—offer an intimate look at the human side of politics. They also call attention to the pressing need for reforms that safeguard the well‑being of those who serve and strengthen the democratic ethos that Ghana has built over the past three decades.

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