Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah has intensified calls for accountability, ethical leadership and improved performance in public service, stressing that effective governance must be measured by tangible results that improve the lives of citizens.
Dr. Julius Debrah, speaking during President John Dramani Mahama’s citizens’ engagement as part of the government’s “resetting tour” of the Eastern Region, said public officials must move beyond promises and focus on delivering solutions to the challenges confronting Ghanaians.
He said the current demands of citizens require a governance approach built on transparency, responsibility and measurable achievements.
According to him, rebuilding economic confidence, improving public service delivery, creating opportunities for young people and restoring trust in state institutions remain critical priorities that require commitment from all public officials.
“Whether it is rebuilding economic confidence, improving service delivery, creating opportunities for young people, or restoring trust in public institutions, the President has challenged us to confront the hard issues directly and pursue lasting solutions,” he stated.
Dr. Debrah stressed that accountability must remain the benchmark for assessing the performance of public officers.
“Citizens are not interested in excuses. They are interested in outcomes,” he said.
Corruption Threat.
The Chief of Staff also highlighted corruption as a major obstacle to national development, warning that resources lost through corrupt practices could have been channelled into critical areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education and employment creation.
He noted that corruption does not only affect public finances but also damages investor confidence, weakens institutions and reduces citizens’ trust in governance.
“Corruption is the silent force that stalls progress, drains public resources and drives our youth to seek opportunities abroad,” Dr. Debrah cautioned.
He called for stronger collective action to promote integrity and ensure that national resources are used for the benefit of all citizens.
Ethics Must Become A Culture
At the launch of stakeholder engagements for the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NEACAP) 2026–2032, Dr. Debrah said the fight against corruption must go beyond policies and official commitments.
He argued that ethics must become deeply rooted in Ghanaian society and guide decision-making in government, businesses, institutions and communities.
“Ethics must not be confined to documents and speeches. It must become a living culture, something that shapes how we govern, how we do business, how we teach, and how we live,” he stated.
He explained that the implementation of the new anti-corruption framework would require strong institutional collaboration among key state agencies, including the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the Attorney General’s Department.
Dr. Debrah described investment in ethics and anti-corruption initiatives as essential to strengthening public institutions and promoting sustainable development.
Tracking Government Delivery
The Chief of Staff further highlighted the establishment of the Presidential Delivery Unit at the Office of the President, designed to monitor government commitments and ensure effective implementation of policies and programmes.
He explained that the unit would provide a structured mechanism for tracking government projects while engaging communities and traditional authorities to obtain feedback on development initiatives.
According to him, governance must not end with policy announcements but must translate into visible improvements in the lives of citizens.
Public Service Beyond Politics
Dr. Debrah also emphasised the importance of professionalism, discipline and commitment in public service, insisting that state institutions must operate in the interest of Ghana and its people.
He pointed to the need for public officials to demonstrate integrity and focus on practical solutions that address national challenges.
He maintained that development must be seen through measurable outcomes rather than promises, urging public officers to remain committed to delivering results.
The Accountability Message.
A recent photograph of Dr. Debrah pointing during a government engagement has generated public attention, with some observers interpreting the gesture as symbolic of focus, direction and responsibility in governance.
The Chief of Staff’s message has consistently centred on three key themes accountability, ethical leadership and effective delivery which he believes are necessary for rebuilding public confidence and achieving national development goals.
As government continues its engagements with citizens and stakeholders, the emphasis remains on translating policies into practical actions that respond to the expectations and aspirations of Ghanaians.
