Mahama will appoint competent people over party loyalists - Julius Debrah
Accra, Ghana - 08 Jan, 2025 - President John Dramani Mahama's Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has revealed that the president's second-term administration will prioritize competence over loyalty, focusing on delivering results quickly.
Speaking to journalists at the Black Star Square following President Mahama's inauguration on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, Mr. Debrah emphasized that the president's four-year mandate requires a team of competent individuals who can effectively execute the government's agenda.
Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah(left) and the Chairman of the National Democratic Congress(NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah(right) at the inauguration ceremony of President John Dramani Mahama at the Blackstar Square on Tuesday January 7, 2025
"Since he has been in office before and coming again, you can be assured that we will try as much as possible to minimize mistakes and make sure we get everything right," Mr Debrah stated.
"I don't think John Mahama is necessarily going to make his appointments based on people who supposedly are loyal to him. The first and foremost thing he is looking for will be competency and one's ability to work," he explained.
According to Debrah, to ensure accountability, the administration will maintain strict measures, including weekly ministerial reporting directly to the president. Mr. Debrah, who served closely with President Mahama in his previous term, revealed that ministers will be required to report personally to the president, who will ask questions and track progress on assigned tasks.
"Almost every week, each minister was supposed to report to him personally. He picks a chat with you and asks questions as to where you were with an assignment given to you," he revealed.
The administration has also pledged to prevent the misuse of public funds, with Mr. Debrah emphasizing the need to "keep an eye" on financial management to eliminate wastage.
"Especially with regards to the management of public funds, I think it's an area that we need to keep an eye on to ensure that we limit their wastage if we can even eliminate it," he stated.
As President Mahama begins his second term, his administration is optimistic about achieving its goals. "I want to give everybody hope," Mr. Debrah assured. "With the right people in place, we can make things happen and deliver results for the Ghanaian people."
Source: Florence Kyei / Lead News Online
