Following the replacement of Prosper Douglas Bani with Mr. Julius Debrah, Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, as the Chief of Staff at the presidency, some staff at the Flagstaff house went into fits of ecstasy upon receiving the announcement.
Sources at the Flagstaff House told The Enquirer yesterday that some happy staff who could not contain their happiness “popped champagnes” in a joyous mood to welcome the appointment of Mr. Debrah.
President John Mahama has been under intense pressure to relieve his bosom friend, Mr. Prosper Bani, as the chief of Staff for some time now.
But after the announcement of his replacement, with that of Mr. Debrah, some staff who claimed Mr. Bani was too rigid and made work at the Flagstaff House difficult, celebrated over his removal.
Some members of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) also say they feel satisfied of the new changes.
Flagstaff House, the seat of government, late Sunday announced the replacement of Mr. Bani with Mr. Debrah as the new chief of staff.
Alfred Agbenyo, Deputy Communications Director of the’ NDC, said the rank and file of the party welcome the appointment of Mr. Julius Debrah as the new chief of staff at the presidency. According to him, the party is elated that Mr. Debrah has been elevated to such a high position at the presidency at a time relationship between the party and government is not as good as was expected.
The changes, which some members of the NDC see as long overdue, according to Agbenyo, are very important at such a critical time.
Agbenyo said Mr. Debrah, as true grassroots man of the party, has endeared himself well to the rank and file of the party hence desires to be elevated to that high office.
“Some of us know Julius Debrah well, we have worked with him on many occasions and when you consider his caliber, he is a true party person who understands party politics and worked through the ranks of the party’s,” he said.
The party’s deputy communications officer said some positions in government are meant for politicians, reiterating that certain key positions are not meant for just any person.
“There are positions that are meant for technocrats and there are positions that are meant for politicians because there is politics and policies to be tackled,” he stated, adding that Mr. Debrah is a team player.
He welcome Mr. Debrah’s new appointment, pointing out that he is hopeful Debrah will live up to expectations and not to disappoint the President and party.
“At the end of the day, all Ghanaians and NDC people will realize that the decision of the President to appoint Hon. Debrah as his chief of staff was in order and all will see the benefits,” Agbenyo said.
Meanwhile, the pro-NDC pressure group, Young Democrats, in a statement copied to The Enquirer and signed by Abass Osabutey, the convener of the group, said “young Democrats for Good Governance writes to congratulate Hon Julius Debrah for his appointment to the office of Chief of Staff. He has proved beyond all reasonable doubt that he is more that capable of stirring the affairs of this high office.”
“We have absolute trust in him that he can deliver to the admiration of all to strengthen the staff structure of his Excellency President John Dramani Mahama by ensuring that the government machinery is up and doing,” he said.
“Young Democrat assures him of our unflinching support and advises him to be a listening chief of staff. He should work with both the party structure and the presidency to deliver on the better Ghana agenda,” it stated further.
Mr. Debrah until his appointment started as Eastern Regional Chairman of the NDC, before he was appointed as the Chief Executive of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Eastern Regional Minister, Greater Accra Regional Minister, and later Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.
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