Ghana’s Chief of Staff, Hon Julius Debrah, has called for greater unity and cordial relationships across political divides, emphasizing that Ghana’s democratic growth and national development depend not only on policies and governance structures but also on the ability of leaders and citizens to maintain mutual respect despite differing political affiliations.
Speaking at the Accra Friendship Forever Club dinner held on Saturday, March 8, 2026, in Accra, the Chief of Staff used his longstanding relationship with former President John Agyekum Kufuor as a powerful illustration of how personal bonds can transcend political differences.
Addressing guests at the event, Debrah reflected on the importance of sustaining friendships and building bridges in a political landscape that can sometimes be characterized by intense rivalry and division. He stressed that the spirit of unity and brotherliness must remain central to Ghana’s democratic journey.
“Ghana’s progress does not only depend on government policies or political ideologies. It also depends on how we relate to one another as people, regardless of our political backgrounds,” he said.
A Story Rooted in Achimota
In a moment that resonated deeply with attendees, the Chief of Staff recounted the origins of his relationship with the Kufuor family, which dates back several decades to his days as a student at Achimota School, one of Ghana’s most prestigious secondary institutions.
According to Debrah, he was a sixth-form student at the school when he served as a “school father” to Kofi Kufuor, the son of the future president.
At the time, he explained, neither he nor the Kufuor family could have imagined the significant roles they would later play in the country’s political landscape.
“When I was a sixth former in Achimota School, Kofi Kufuor was my school son. At the time, we did not know President Kufuor would become a Head of State one day, and I also did not know that I would become a politician,” Debrah recounted.
What began as a mentorship relationship within the school’s traditional hierarchy later blossomed into a lifelong connection with the Kufuor family.
A Relationship That Endured Through the Years
Debrah noted that his association with the former president grew stronger over time, recalling how John Agyekum Kufuor often welcomed him to his residence at Airport in Accra and offered guidance and encouragement.
He described those interactions as formative moments that helped shape his understanding of leadership, humility, and public service.
Reflecting on their journey from a school-based relationship to occupying prominent positions in national leadership, the Chief of Staff said the story demonstrates the enduring value of relationships that are built on trust and mutual respect.
According to him, such bonds serve as a reminder that political differences should never overshadow shared humanity.
In his remarks, Debrah urged Ghanaians to resist the growing tendency to allow political affiliations to damage personal relationships and social harmony.
He stressed that while political competition is a vital part of democratic governance, it must not erode the values of unity, tolerance, and respect that bind citizens together.
“Politics should not divide us to the point where we lose our sense of brotherhood. Our national development requires cooperation and respect among all of us,” he stated.
He further emphasized that Ghana’s democratic culture has been strengthened over the years by leaders who understood the importance of dialogue and cooperation across political lines.
Strengthening Ghana’s Democratic Culture
Debrah’s remarks come at a time when political tensions and partisan debates often dominate public discourse. His call for unity therefore served as a timely reminder of the broader national interest that transcends party politics.
As Chief of Staff serving under President John Dramani Mahama, Debrah said he believes strongly in the need to foster a political environment where differences of opinion can coexist with mutual respect and collaboration.
Political observers at the event noted that the Chief of Staff’s reflections offered a refreshing perspective on leadership and public life, highlighting how relationships built early in life can shape attitudes toward governance and national service.
In concluding his remarks, Debrah encouraged young people and emerging leaders to invest in meaningful relationships and to cultivate a spirit of tolerance that allows society to thrive despite its diversity.
He noted that Ghana’s future will depend not only on economic development and policy reforms but also on the ability of its citizens to remain united in purpose.
His personal story, linking his student days at Achimota School with his present role in national leadership, served as a vivid illustration of how the bonds formed in youth can endure and influence the course of public life.
As Ghana continues to navigate the complexities of modern politics, the Chief of Staff’s message was clear: unity, respect, and lasting relationships remain essential ingredients in building a stronger and more cohesive nation.
