By Tata Mbunwe
Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, the Secretary General at the Presidency, will retain his position and could play a decisive role in forming the next government, which is highly anticipated, Jeune Afrique has reported, citing inside sources.
Ngoh Ngoh is reported to have received assurances from President Paul Biya that he will keep his post during a meeting with the aging leader on December 7 at the Unity Palace. The meeting lasted several hours, the Jeune Afrique publication notes.
Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh has long been one of the country’s most powerful officials, often viewed as the gatekeeper between Biya and other members of the government, many of whom go for years without direct access to the president.
He received all officials, including Ministers, who came to the Unity Palace to offer Biya their support for last October’s presidential election.
Jeune Afrique states that “except for unforeseen circumstances,” Ngoh Ngoh will continue as Secretary General—a role he has held for 14 years.
The position of Secretary General is considered one of the most influential in the Cameroonian government and has historically been occupied by close confidants of Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982.
Ngoh Ngoh and a tight circle of officials around Biya are widely believed to be the de facto rulers of Cameroon, as Biya, 92, is largely seen as too old to actively govern.
This influence has inevitably earned him enemies within the government, with many rivals having long sought his removal from office.
The report notes that Ngoh Ngoh is “challenged by some heavyweights in the government.”
Cameroonians have been anticipating that Paul Biya will form a new government since he was declared winner of the 2025 presidential election—a victory that has been strongly disputed by his main rival and former Minister, Issa Tchiroma Bakary.
