Chief of Staff to President John Dramani Mahama, Julius Debrah, has assured the widow and children of the late Dr Bukari Dramani Ecomog of the government’s support as the family comes to terms with his death.
Mr Debrah gave the assurance when he represented President Mahama at the 7th-day Adua ceremony held in Damongo to mourn the late Deputy Chief Executive officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), who died in London on August 11, 2026.
He conveyed President Mahama’s condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family, explaining that the President would have loved to attend the ceremony but was out of the country.
Mr Debrah said the numerous tributes to Dr Dramani Ecomog highlighted his humility, affability and good character, qualities he urged young people to emulate.
He encouraged the youth to live lives that would leave positive memories, saying people should strive to ensure that whenever their names were mentioned in the future, something good could be said about them.
The Chief of Staff further assured the widow that the government would not abandon her and her children.
“Madam Widow, be rest assured that we’ll take good care of you and your children,” he said.
Also paying tribute to the late Dr Dramani Ecomog, the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, described him as a humble, respectful, hardworking and exceptionally affable person who touched many lives.
Dr Jinapor said he had a close working relationship with Dr Dramani Ecomog before his appointment as Deputy Chief Executive of the NPA.
He recalled that while serving as Chairman of the NDC’s Legal Committee and the committee responsible for the energy sector, the late Dramani Ecomog regularly sent him written contributions and analyses.
According to him, when the NDC returned to government and appointments were being considered, he submitted Dr Dramani Ecomog’s curriculum vitae for consideration for the position of Deputy Chief Executive of the NPA.
He said the Presidency had no hesitation in appointing him because of his competence, merit and suitability for the position.
Dr Jinapor said the late Dr Dramani Ecomog subsequently demonstrated beyond doubt that he was capable of performing the responsibilities entrusted to him.
“Personally, I’ve lost a friend, I’ve lost a brother, and I’ve lost a partner,” Dr Jinapor said, adding that the deceased was “very respectful, obedient, but hardworking.”
He, however, said the most important concern following the death was not only how the late NPA executive would be remembered but also the future of his young children.
Dr Jinapor recounted a conversation he had with the Chief of Staff when the children arrived at the funeral gathering.
He said Mr Debrah asked him a poignant question: “So what will happen to these children after one year?”
Dr Jinapor said the question demonstrated that the Chief of Staff was looking beyond the funeral and was concerned about the long-term welfare and future of the children.
He disclosed that Mr Debrah had subsequently instructed him to engage the widow when they returned to Accra to discuss the welfare of the children.
“This is the most important part of life. We are all gathered here to pay tribute to him, but the question the Chief of Staff asks is: after one year, how are the children going to fare?” Dr Jinapor said.
He expressed appreciation to all those who attended the Adua ceremony and supported the bereaved family during their period of grief.
Dr Bukari Dramani Ecomog, a senior public servant who served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, died in London in the United Kingdom on August 11, 2026. His remains were subsequently transported to Ghana for burial in Damongo.
Source:nkilgifm.com
