President John Dramani Mahama joined several government officials, party executives, family members, and congregants at the Pentecost International Worship Centre Trassaco for the 60th birthday thanksgiving service of Chief of Staff Julius Debrah.
The service, presided over by Apostle Eric Nyamekye, brought together key political and religious figures, including Vice President Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
Addressing the congregation, President Mahama used the occasion to celebrate what he described as the enduring legacy of a good name, emphasizing that character and integrity outlive wealth, beauty, and status.
He reflected on the meaning of reputation and legacy, telling congregants that life’s true value is measured not by material possessions but by the impact one leaves behind.
“It Is the Name You Leave Behind”
President Mahama centered much of his remarks on the importance of personal legacy and public service. According to him, every human being eventually loses the physical attributes and material gains accumulated in life, but the name one leaves behind continues to shape how future generations remember them.
“After you go into the grave, your beauty, your riches, nothing else matters. It is the name you left behind that matters,” he stated. The President explained that the gathering itself was evidence of the respect and goodwill Julius Debrah had earned over the years through his conduct and relationships with people.
He noted that the presence of both the President and Vice President at the same event reflected the high regard in which the Chief of Staff is held across the country.
“One of the major things they tell us when you reach the high office of president and vice president is not to drive in the same car together. Myself and Naana cannot fly in the same plane together. As much as possible, they avoid us being at the same events together,”.
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama added that exceptions are made only for very significant occasions. “So if today you see the president and the vice president here at this church, it is in honour of somebody who has made a name,” he said.
Mahama Reflects on Meeting Julius Debrah
The President recounted his first interactions with Julius Debrah during his time as Eastern Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress. According to him, he observed Debrah’s calm personality, efficiency, and leadership qualities while campaigning together after he had been selected as running mate.
“I took note of his calm nature, efficiency, and affable friendliness,” President Mahama stated. He said Debrah commanded respect among party executives in the Eastern Region not through fear or intimidation but through mutual respect and trust.
“He commanded the executive in Eastern Region not because they were afraid of him, but because they respected him,” the President added. President Mahama explained that these observations influenced his later decision to appoint Debrah as Minister for Local Government.
Praise for Leadership and Work Ethic
President Mahama praised Julius Debrah’s performance during his tenure at the Local Government Ministry, describing him as results oriented and highly effective.
The President disclosed that he had become frustrated with the pace of work at the ministry at the time and wanted practical reforms implemented quickly. “There was too much technocracy there, and I wanted a certain thing than street naming and house numbering,” he explained.
President Mahama said he trusted Julius Debrah’s ability to execute those priorities effectively. “And so I sent Julius to the Local Government Ministry, and anywhere I went, there were street names, house numbers,” he recalled.
According to him, appointing Debrah as Chief of Staff later became an easy decision because of his demonstrated loyalty, competence, and dedication. “He has been a friend. He has been loyal,” President Mahama said.
The President further described the Chief of Staff as hardworking, generous, and compassionate. “Julius will share his last resource with anybody who comes after him,” he told the congregation.
A Personal Message from Lordina Mahama
President Mahama also delivered a special birthday message from former First Lady Lordina Mahama, whom he described jokingly as Julius Debrah’s “best friend.”
President Mahama explained that his wife could not attend the Thanksgiving service because she had travelled to Dubai to support their pregnant daughter-in-law. He narrated how they had both travelled to the United States, where Lordina Mahama attended an event hosted by Melania Trump.
According to him, while they were preparing to return to Ghana through London, she received news that their daughter in law was close to delivery. “At that time bombs were still flying in Dubai,” he recalled.
Despite concerns over the situation, he said his wife insisted on travelling to Dubai to be present during the delivery. “She said my daughter in law is where they are bombing. I want to be there when she delivers,” the President narrated.
He then conveyed Lordina Mahama’s birthday wishes to Julius Debrah and his family. “She wishes you all that you wish yourself,” he said.
Welcome to the “Senior Citizens Club”
In a lighter moment during his address, President Mahama welcomed the Chief of Staff into what he humorously described as the “Senior Citizens Club.” “From now on, you are 60 and above. You are supposed to behave in a certain way,” he joked.
The President, drawing laughter from the congregation, teased the celebrant about avoiding “bad dancing” and conducting himself with greater dignity as advised by Apostle Eric Nyamekye.
The remarks brought a warm and celebratory atmosphere to the thanksgiving service, which combined spiritual reflection with tributes to Julius Debrah’s public and personal life.
The thanksgiving service was presided over by Apostle Eric Nyamekye, who spoke about the importance of living a life that leaves behind a positive legacy. His message focused on integrity, humility, and service to humanity, themes that President Mahama repeatedly referenced throughout his speech.
The event also attracted senior government officials, party executives, clergy members, and family friends who gathered to honour the Chief of Staff’s milestone birthday.
