Issifu Alidu Laa-Bandow
www.zaaghana.com
Tamale, Northern Region
In an era where political theatrics often overshadow substance, Hon. Julius Debrah has reminded Ghanaians that true leadership is rooted not in posturing, but in humility, cultural respect, and service. His simple yet powerful gesture—bowing before the King of Dagbon, His Majesty Ndan Ya-Na Abukari II, during the latter’s official visit to President John Dramani Mahama at the Presidency—spoke volumes more than any political slogan ever could.
This was not just a bow. It was a symbol of reverence to tradition, a nod to ancestral wisdom, and a statement of alignment with the values that continue to define us as a people. In that moment, Hon. Julius Debrah did not simply acknowledge royalty—he affirmed the place of tradition in contemporary leadership.
The event itself was historic. The King of Dagbon’s presence at the seat of government underlined the growing recognition of Ghana’s traditional authorities as co-custodians of national peace, unity, and development. Yet it was Hon. Julius Debrah’s conduct—bowing in respectful deference—has captured national attention and admiration.
Hon. Debrah, who served—and continues to serve—as Chief of Staff under President Mahama, is not new to statecraft. But what distinguishes his brand of leadership is a rare blend of modern administrative skill and cultural sensitivity. By choosing to honor tradition so publicly, he made an important declaration: the past still matters, and the voices of traditional Ghana must never be ignored in building our future.
Social media commentary has been overwhelmingly supportive. One communicator put it aptly: “Debrah bows not just to tradition, but to the deep wisdom, authority, and heritage of our people.” And indeed, he did. In that moment, Ghana saw leadership that listens, that respects, and that understands the power of symbolic actions.
This gesture comes at a time when many Ghanaians are calling for a return to values-based leadership—leaders who are not only competent, but grounded; leaders who recognize that governing is not simply about commanding attention, but about walking in service to the people and to history.
Some may dismiss it as ceremonial. But in Ghanaian culture, respect is everything. And in politics, the optics of humility are often more persuasive than the rhetoric of ambition. When a leader bows before a king, he lifts the spirits of a people.
Rather than a political maneuver, Hon. Debrah’s action should be viewed as a timely reminder of the kind of values that should anchor public leadership in Ghana—values that bridge the wisdom of our past with the demands of our present.
This was more than a moment. It was a message: our future must be rooted in respect, unity, and cultural pride. And Julius Debrah, with a single bow, delivered it eloquently.
Source: zaaghana.com//Issifu Alidu Laa-Bandow
