Fresh political intrigue is playing out within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2028 elections, following what observers describe as subtle but significant signals from President John Dramani Mahama that have placed his Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, at the center of the party’s emerging succession conversation.
Although nominations for the NDC flagbearer race have not officially opened, developments at the 2026 Kwahu Business Forum in the Eastern Region have intensified speculation that Julius Debrah could be the President’s preferred successor.
Debrah, a meticulous administrator and smooth operator behind the scenes was the cynosure of eyes at the event.
During the high-profile event, President Mahama singled out the chief of staff for extraordinary praise, crediting him as the “mastermind” behind the conception and growth of the forum—remarks that political analysts say go beyond routine commendation.
“My friend and co-conspirator, Julius Debrah conceived the idea,” President Mahama said, recounting how the initiative evolved from a simple Easter gathering into a major national platform for economic dialogue and investment.
The Kwahu Business Forum, now in its third year, has grown into one of the most prominent economic events, bringing together policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and development partners.
Originally conceived during the 2024 Easter festivities, the initiative has become a flagship platform for promoting industrialization, private sector growth, and national development—an achievement largely attributed to the collaboration between Mahama and Julius Debrah.
Beyond the policy significance of the forum, however, it was the political undertone of Mahama’s endorsement that caught attention.
Coming at a time when internal jockeying within the NDC is intensifying, the President’s public recognition of Julius Debrah—particularly on his home turf in Mpraeso—has been interpreted by some party insiders as a strategic signal.
Spotlight On Debrah
The Kwahu moment has become even more significant when contrasted with Mahama’s broader posture toward potential successors.
The spotlight in Kwahu remained firmly on Julius Debrah, reinforcing perceptions that the Chief of Staff may enjoy quiet backing within the presidency.
This comes against the backdrop of a firm directive reportedly issued by Mahama warning his appointees against pitching against time.
The President is said to have cautioned ministers and senior officials—including Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Ato Forson, Eric Opoku, and others—that any premature political activity could undermine his administration and would attract sanctions, including possible dismissal.
The warning has effectively frozen overt campaigning within government circles, forcing potential contenders to retreat into silence. Internal WhatsApp groups and mobilisation networks reportedly set up by some aspirants have gone dormant, deepening uncertainty within the party.
Grassroots Momentum Builds For Debrah
While formal campaigning remains on hold, Julius Debrah’s support base appears to be quietly consolidating.
The Eastern Regional NDC communicators and party officials have begun openly endorsing him as a potential flagbearer.
At a private gathering at his residence, some party activists reportedly pledged their support, citing his loyalty to the party, administrative experience, and grassroots appeal.
Julius Debrah’s political profile has steadily grown since returning to the role of Chief of Staff. A former Eastern Regional Minister and previously chairman of the party in the region, and long-time party strategist, he is widely regarded as a bridge between the party’s grassroots and its national leadership.
His involvement in initiatives such as the Kwahu Business Forum, combined with his visibility in nationwide engagements, has strengthened his image as a practical, results-oriented leader.
Debrah’s Rising Profile: The ‘Walk’ And Grassroots Strategy
Over the past year, Julius Debrah has steadily built political visibility through a series of nationwide engagements, most notably his highly publicised “keep fit” walks across.
These events, which draw large crowds of party supporters, youth groups and neutrals, have evolved beyond fitness exercises into subtle political mobilisation platforms.
The initiative has significantly boosted Debrah’s grassroots appeal, particularly among younger NDC supporters, earning him the nickname “Kwaku Azameti” and positioning him as a relatable and accessible figure within the party.
Political observers note that in a party where grassroots strength often determines internal primary outcomes, such consistent on-the-ground engagement is not accidental—but strategic.
Poll Controversy
Despite his growing visibility, Debrah’s political momentum appeared to face an unexpected challenge when Global InfoAnalytics released a series of polls on the NDC’s 2028 flagbearer race.
The surveys, conducted by pollster Mussa Dankwah, placed figures such as Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Finance Minister, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, NDC National Chairman, Haruna Iddrisu, Education Minister and Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as leading contenders—but conspicuously excluded Debrah from the top tier.
The omission sparked immediate backlash within party circles, with critics questioning the credibility and intent of the polling exercise.
Ras Mubarak Fires: ‘Take It With Salt’
Former Kumbungu MP Ras Mubarak was among the most vocal critics, launching a direct attack on the poll’s validity.
“Any poll that does not feature Julius Debrah as a leading candidate should be taken with a very big pinch of salt,” Ras Mubarak declared, effectively dismissing the survey as unrepresentative of the party’s internal dynamics.
His comments amplified concerns that the polls may have been shaping narratives rather than reflecting actual support, particularly in a race that remains fluid and largely undefined.
Asiedu Nketiah, Others Also In The Race
However, Julius Debrah’s rising profile is unfolding within a highly competitive internal landscape. NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has also intensified his nationwide engagements through a “Thank You Tour,” a move widely interpreted as groundwork for a potential presidential bid.
Polling trends have further complicated the picture, with recent surveys placing Finance Minister Ato Forson ahead of other contenders, while figures such as Haruna Iddrisu and Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang remain significant players in the race.
The absence of a clear frontrunner has created a fluid and unpredictable succession contest, with different factions rallying around different potential candidates.
Mahama’s Position: Public Neutrality, Private Signals?
Despite the growing speculation, President Mahama has maintained publicly that he has not endorsed any candidate and remains focused on governance.
He has also reiterated his commitment to stepping down in 2029 in accordance with the constitutional two-term limit, despite internal maneuvering to get a third term.
Yet, within party circles, his actions—and in some cases, omissions—are being closely scrutinized for signals. The Kwahu endorsement of Julius Debrah has therefore taken on added significance, seen by some as a subtle attempt to shape the succession conversation without formally intervening.
For now, Julius Debrah appears to be gaining momentum, buoyed by presidential praise and growing grassroots support. But with heavyweights like Asiedu Nketiah, Ato Forson, Haruna Iddrisu, and others still in play, the race remains wide open.
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