Sack Julius Debrah if he puts his presidential ambition first — Analyst

Political analyst, Dr Kwasi Amakye Boateng, has suggested that President John Dramani Mahama may be compelled to relieve Chief of Staff Julius Debrah of his duties if he believes personal presidential ambitions are affecting his service to the government.

Speaking on Angel FM, Dr Amakye Boateng argued that internal political activities within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are unlikely to distract President Mahama from his governance agenda.

“The internal campaign activities within the NDC may not affect President Mahama directly, but the future flagbearer” he said.

According to him, Mahama’s return to the presidency was driven by a clear vision and a desire to complete unfinished work for the country.

“The second coming of Mahama had its meaning, and I believe it was because he has something great to do and offer for the country. He was not done yet,” he stated.

Dr. Amakye Boateng noted that the President is focused on delivering on his mandate and expects appointees to prioritize national service over personal political interests.

“If he has given you something or a position, take care of it by serving the country, and if it is not done properly, then he will relieve you of your duties,” he said.

The political analyst argued that any public official who allows personal ambition to overshadow their responsibilities risks losing the confidence of the President.

“If you make your ambition override your service to the nation, you will be relieved of your duties,” he stressed.

Commenting specifically on the Office of the Chief of Staff, Dr. Amakye Boateng suggested that speculation about Julius Debrah’s future political ambitions could become problematic if it affects his performance.

“It is the office of Julius Debrah that has to see to this, but it looks like he has ambitions of becoming a flagbearer,” he claimed.

He cautioned that if such ambitions create bias or distract from the work of government, President Mahama may have to take action.

“If he allows that to cause biases and prevent him from doing his actual work, President Mahama must make him stand aside because it will distract from the President’s agenda and rather push personal and party interests,” he argued.

Dr Amakye Boateng further noted that the close relationship between the President and his Chief of Staff should make Debrah even more committed to his responsibilities.

“The relationship between them should even be the reason he is not supposed to joke with his work so as not to disappoint the President,” he said.

“But if his personal ambition overrides his service, President Mahama would have to sack him,” he added.