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Tag: Chief of staff Julius Debrah

Chief of Staff charges National Prayer Committee to innovate for national cohesion

The Chief of Staff, Dr. Julius Debrah, has urged the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving Planning Committee to look beyond mere administrative compliance and approach their mandate as a sacred national obligation.

He tasked the committee to introduce innovative ideas and pragmatic initiatives that will amplify the impact of the programme, particularly in fostering national cohesion and accelerating Ghana’s development.

Delegation from the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Planning Committee at the Office of Chief of Staff

Dr. Debrah made these remarks when a delegation from the committee, led by Hon. Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, paid a courtesy call on him at the Flagstaff House to officially apprise the Presidency of preparations for this year’s upcoming National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, slated for July 1.

Presidential Commendation and High Optimism

During the deliberations, the Chief of Staff conveyed President John Dramani Mahama’s commendation to the committee for the successful execution of last year’s event.

According to Dr. Debrah, President Mahama regards the annual observance as a crucial national initiative that cultivates unity, gratitude, and collective responsibility in nation-building.

”The President is optimistic about an even bigger and more impactful celebration this year, with broader national participation and strengthened outcomes,” Julius Debrah stated, emphasizing the executive’s deep commitment to the spiritual and social health of the country.

Strategic Consultations for a Unified Nation

The engagement forms part of the committee’s strategic stakeholder consultations designed to ensure a meticulously coordinated and impactful national observance. The National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving serves as a solemn platform that continues to galvanize reflection, unity, and national renewal across the country.

Responding to the Chief of Staff’s charge, members of the committee expressed their profound appreciation for the Presidency’s unwavering support. They reaffirmed their resolve to orchestrate a well-structured and deeply meaningful event that truly embodies the values and aspirations of all Ghanaians.

The July 1 observance is expected to convene faith leaders, government officials, civil society actors, and citizens from all strata of society in a unified moment of introspection and collective gratitude.

June 4, 2026
Chief of Staff assures homecoming citizens with vow of dignified reintegration

Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff addressing South Africa returnees at Accra International Airport

By Adnan Adams Mohammed

The government has issued a firm assurance to Ghanaian nationals fleeing recent unrest in South Africa that the state will employ all necessary resources to ensure their safe reintegration and long-term wellbeing back home.

The pledge was delivered by the Chief of Staff, Dr Julius Debrah, who led a high-powered state delegation to the Kotoka International Airport to receive the first batch of evacuees.

High-level government delegation led by Julius Debrah to receive South Africa returnees

The returnees, numbering close to 300 citizens, were flown back home via a coordinated state-backed evacuation exercise managed alongside the National Disaster Management Organisation (Nadmo) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A Dignified Return, Not A Setback

Addressing the visibly shaken but relieved evacuees shortly after their arrival, the Chief of Staff emphasized that returning home under difficult circumstances should not be viewed as a personal failure or a permanent end to their aspirations.

”Do not view your return home as a setback. See this moment as an opportunity for a fresh start, a clean slate, and a chance to rebuild your lives with absolute dignity and hope. Your country has not forgotten you, and we will not abandon our citizens abroad or those who have returned,” Dr Julius Debrah assured the gathering.

The state delegation, which also included the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, spent time interacting with the returnees, many of whom had lost livelihoods and personal assets during the targeted violence in South Africa.

Comprehensive Reintegration Strategies Underway

To ease the immediate transition, Nadmo officials set up emergency stations at the airport to distribute relief packages, food, and medical assessments. The government has signaled that its intervention will extend far beyond immediate arrival assistance, mapping out medium to long-term economic support frameworks.

”Our immediate priority is comfort and stability, but our ultimate goal is sustainable reintegration. We are collaborating across multiple sectors to look at livelihood support schemes, skills alignment, and micro-enterprise setups so that our brothers and sisters can stand firmly on their feet right here at home,” noted an official attached to the repatriation task force.

Tears And Relief At Kotoka

For many of the evacuees, touchdown on Ghanaian soil brought a profound sense of psychological relief after weeks of living in heightened anxiety. Families gathered outside the arrival hall, sharing emotional reunions as relatives walked off the tarmac.

”We lived in constant fear every single day, not knowing what would happen next to our families or our businesses,” shared one of the returnees, holding back tears. “Hearing the assurance from the government today makes us feel like we actually have a home that cares. It won’t be easy to start over from nothing, but being alive and safe in Ghana is everything.”

The government has confirmed that monitoring and evacuation channels remain open in South Africa, with successive flights being structured to bring back remaining registered citizens who wish to be repatriated.

May 28, 2026
Ghana signals manufacturing ambition as Easter festivities blend culture with commerce

By Adnan Adams Mohammed

While thousands of revellers ascended the steep winding roads of the Kwahu ridge for the annual adrenaline-fueled Easter Paragliding Festival, a different kind of momentum was building in the valley below.

At the 2026 Kwahu Business Forum, the Government of Ghana issued a bold proclamation: the nation is no longer content with being just a gateway to West Africa; it is ready to become its industrial heartbeat.

A Vision for Industrial Sovereignty

Addressing a gathering of investors, traditional leaders, and entrepreneurs, the Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, representing the Presidency, outlined a strategic roadmap to transform Ghana into a dominant manufacturing hub within the sub-region.

The forum, held against the backdrop of the serene Kwahu landscape, served as a platform to pitch Ghana’s readiness for large-scale industrialization. The Chief of Staff emphasized that the government is prioritizing the “Made in Ghana” agenda, aiming to reduce the nation’s reliance on imports by incentivizing local production of essential goods.

“Our goal is clear,” the Hon Debrah stated. “We are leveraging our stable political climate, our strategic position within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and our youthful workforce to ensure that when West Africa thinks of manufacturing, it thinks of Ghana.”

Key to this strategy is the expansion of the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative and the development of specialized industrial parks that offer tax breaks and reliable energy to manufacturers.

The Kwahu Advantage

The dual nature of this year’s Easter combining the thrill of the paragliding festival with the seriousness of the Business Forum highlights a shift in how the Kwahu region is perceived. Traditionally seen as a seasonal retreat, Kwahu is being rebranded as a year-round destination for “bleisure” business and leisure.

Investors at the forum expressed optimism about the proposed manufacturing hub status, citing the potential for agro-processing and light manufacturing to thrive in the Eastern Region.

As the colorful parachutes dot the Kwahu sky this weekend, they represent more than just a tourist attraction; they symbolize a nation looking upward and outward, aiming to turn its cultural heritage into an industrial powerhouse for the 21st century.

Security Meets Celebration

The high-stakes economic discussions were mirrored by a robust security presence on the ground. As the Kwahu Easter Paragliding Festival officially took off at the Odweanoma Mountain, the atmosphere was one of disciplined celebration.

Following security concerns in previous years, the 2026 festivities have seen an unprecedented deployment of personnel. Drones hovered above the paragliding site, and police checkpoints were strategically positioned along the ascent to Mpraeso and Abetifi.

“Security is the bedrock of tourism and investment,” a senior police official noted. “We are here to ensure that while the paragliders soar in the skies, the people on the ground feel safe to celebrate and, more importantly, to do business.”

Key Highlights from the Kwahu Business Forum 2026:

Regional Dominance: Aiming to become the manufacturing centerpiece for the ECOWAS market.

Infrastructure: Committing to enhanced road networks and energy stability for industrial zones.

Safety First: Increased security presence to bolster investor confidence during high-profile events.

April 5, 2026
Julius Debrah applauded as Kwahu Business Forum transforms into ‘International Convention of Investors’

By Adnan Adams Mohammed

President John Dramani Mahama has lauded Mr. Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff, for his visionary leadership and instrumental role in the establishment and expansion of the Kwahu Business Forum.

Addressing attendees at the 2026 edition of the forum in Mpraeso, Eastern Region, the President described Mr. Debrah as the “driving force” and his “co-conspirator” in transforming the traditional Kwahu Easter festivities into a high-level economic platform.

The President noted that the forum was born out of a shared vision to harness the massive influx of people to the Kwahu area during the Easter holidays. Instead of purely social celebrations, Mr. Debrah proposed a structured dialogue to focus on investment and national development.

“My friend and co-conspirator, Julius Debrah, conceived the idea that as we gather in Kwahu to celebrate, we must also create a business forum focused on Ghana’s economic future,” President Mahama stated.

Since its launch in 2024, the forum has rapidly evolved. Now in its third year, it has grown from a local stakeholder engagement into one of Ghana’s premier annual economic gatherings, attracting policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs from across the country.

Infrastructure and Future Growth

In a move to institutionalize the forum’s impact, President Mahama announced ambitious infrastructure projects aimed at turning Kwahu into a permanent hub for international conferences and business tourism.

He revealed that the government is partnering with private sector giants, including Metalex and Trasacco, to build a state-of-the-art convention, conference, and exhibition center at the current site.

”We want to take this whole thing a step further,” the President said. “We are working with Metalex and Trasacco to build a permanent convention, conference, and exhibition centre on this site.”

Furthermore, the President announced plans for the construction of an airstrip in the vicinity. This facility is expected to facilitate seamless travel for domestic and international participants, making Kwahu more accessible to high-profile investors and conference organizers.

The Kwahu Business Forum

The Kwahu Business Forum serves as a non-partisan platform designed to foster networking, investment matchmaking, and policy dialogue. By blending cultural heritage with industrialization goals, the forum has become a cornerstone for discussing Ghana’s private sector development and economic growth.

The event continues at the Kwahu Convention Centre in Mpraeso, bringing together business leaders to deliberate on the future of Ghana’s industrial landscape.

April 5, 2026
KWAHU RISING: Ghana signals manufacturing ambition as Easter festivities blend culture with commerce

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah

By Adnan Adams Mohammed

While thousands of revellers ascended the steep winding roads of the Kwahu ridge for the annual adrenaline-fueled Easter Paragliding Festival, a different kind of momentum was building in the valley below.

At the 2026 Kwahu Business Forum, the Government of Ghana issued a bold proclamation: the nation is no longer content with being just a gateway to West Africa; it is ready to become its industrial heartbeat.

A Vision for Industrial Sovereignty

Addressing a gathering of investors, traditional leaders, and entrepreneurs, the Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, representing the Presidency, outlined a strategic roadmap to transform Ghana into a dominant manufacturing hub within the sub-region.

The forum, held against the backdrop of the serene Kwahu landscape, served as a platform to pitch Ghana’s readiness for large-scale industrialization. The Chief of Staff emphasized that the government is prioritizing the “Made in Ghana” agenda, aiming to reduce the nation’s reliance on imports by incentivizing local production of essential goods.

”Our goal is clear,” the Hon Debrah stated. “We are leveraging our stable political climate, our strategic position within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and our youthful workforce to ensure that when West Africa thinks of manufacturing, it thinks of Ghana.”

Key to this strategy is the expansion of the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative and the development of specialized industrial parks that offer tax breaks and reliable energy to manufacturers.

The Kwahu Advantage

The dual nature of this year’s Easter—combining the thrill of the paragliding festival with the seriousness of the Business Forum—highlights a shift in how the Kwahu region is perceived. Traditionally seen as a seasonal retreat, Kwahu is being rebranded as a year-round destination for “bleisure”—business and leisure.

Investors at the forum expressed optimism about the proposed manufacturing hub status, citing the potential for agro-processing and light manufacturing to thrive in the Eastern Region.

As the colorful parachutes dot the Kwahu sky this weekend, they represent more than just a tourist attraction; they symbolize a nation looking upward and outward, aiming to turn its cultural heritage into an industrial powerhouse for the 21st century.

Security Meets Celebration

The high-stakes economic discussions were mirrored by a robust security presence on the ground. As the Kwahu Easter Paragliding Festival officially took off at the Odweanoma Mountain, the atmosphere was one of disciplined celebration.

Following security concerns in previous years, the 2026 festivities have seen an unprecedented deployment of personnel. Drones hovered above the paragliding site, and police checkpoints were strategically positioned along the ascent to Mpraeso and Abetifi.

”Security is the bedrock of tourism and investment,” a senior police official noted. “We are here to ensure that while the paragliders soar in the skies, the people on the ground feel safe to celebrate and, more importantly, to do business.”

Key Highlights from the Kwahu Business Forum 2026:

Regional Dominance: Aiming to become the manufacturing centerpiece for the ECOWAS market.

Infrastructure: Committing to enhanced road networks and energy stability for industrial zones.

Safety First: Increased security presence to bolster investor confidence during high-profile events.

April 4, 2026
Julius Debrah: The Power Behind Mahama’s Global Triumph on Reparations

By Adnan Adams Mohammed, Financial and Economic Journalist and Human Right Advocate

Watch video:

The Kotoka International Airport was charged with a palpable sense of national pride last night as a high-powered delegation, led by the Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, gathered to welcome His Excellency John Dramani Mahama following his historic mission to the United Nations General Assembly.

The atmosphere was one of celebration and solemnity, marking the successful adoption of a landmark UN resolution on Transatlantic Slavery and reparations, a diplomatic victory largely attributed to the “brave and wise leadership” of the President.

The Epicenter

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah

At the center of the welcoming ceremony was Julius Debrah, the man long regarded as the administrative engine of the Mahama machinery. Dressed in a modest olive-green shirt, Debrah’s presence was a reminder of the strategic administrative support that has bolstered Mahama’s international standing.

Addressing the media and a throng of enthusiastic supporters, Mr. Debrah emphasized that the success at the UN was not merely a personal win for Mahama, but a monumental shift for the African continent. He noted that the administrative groundwork and the relentless pursuit of justice for the historical wrongs of the slave trade have finally found a global resonance.

“We are here to welcome a leader who does not just speak for Ghana, but for the conscience of the world,” Debrah stated, his voice steady with conviction. “The adoption of this resolution on reparations is a testament to what vision and meticulous planning can achieve on the global stage.”

A Historic Resolution

The resolution, which seeks to address the lingering legacies of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and paves the way for formal discussions on reparations, was a key highlight of this year’s UN session. Observers note that Mahama’s vocal advocacy and high-level lobbying were instrumental in building the consensus needed for the resolution’s adoption.

For Julius Debrah, whose tenure as Chief of Staff has been defined by a focus on efficient governance and results-oriented diplomacy, this triumph is the fruit of years of consistent policy positioning. His role in coordinating the administrative logistics and political strategy behind Mahama’s international engagements has been cited as a crucial factor in the former President’s continued relevance and influence.

National Pride

As H.E. John Mahama emerged to the cheers of the crowd, the synergy between the leader and his top administrative lieutenant was evident. The “Mahama-Debrah” partnership continues to demonstrate a formidable blend of charismatic leadership and backroom strategic depth.

The adoption of the UN resolution is being hailed by pan-Africanists and human rights advocates as a turning point in the quest for global racial justice. For Ghana, it reinforces its position as a moral leader on the continent.

As the convoy departed the airport, the message was clear: Ghana has returned to the forefront of global diplomacy, fueled by the bravery of a statesman and the unwavering administrative support of a dedicated team.

March 30, 2026
Chief of Staff Leads Government Delegation to Mourn Koforidua Trader Killed in Burkina Faso

The Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah, yesterday Saturday, March 28, 2026, led a high-powered government delegation to the funeral of the Koforidua-based tomato trader who tragically lost her life in a terrorist attack in Burkina Faso.

The somber ceremony, held in Koforidua, brought together government officials, traditional leaders, and hundreds of mourning traders to pay their final respects to a woman described as a “martyr of regional trade.”

A Tragic Loss in the Sahel

The deceased was among seven Ghanaian traders who were caught in a violent assault by armed militants in the northern Burkinabe town of Titao on February 14, 2026. The group was traveling to secure tomato supplies a trade route that has become increasingly perilous due to the rising insurgency in the Sahel region.

While several survivors were evacuated by the Ghana Air Force and treated at the 37 Military Hospital in February, the loss of life has sent shockwaves through the local business community, particularly in the Ashanti and Eastern regions.

Government’s Assurance on Security

Representing President John Dramani Mahama, Hon. Julius Debrah expressed the state’s deepest condolences to the bereaved family. He emphasized that the government is acutely aware of the security challenges facing cross-border traders and is working closely with Burkinabe authorities and regional security blocs to enhance protection for Ghanaian nationals.

”Our sisters and mothers who travel across borders to feed this nation are heroes,” the Chief of Staff remarked during the funeral. “This government remains committed to ensuring that no Ghanaian life is lost in the pursuit of honest labor.”

Calls for Enhanced Protection

The funeral also served as a platform for leadership from various trade associations to renew their plea for government intervention. Many traders expressed fear over the $400 million tomato industry, which relies heavily on imports from Burkina Faso during certain seasons.

The delegation, which included regional ministers and heads of security agencies, presented a donation on behalf of the President to support the family and the children left behind by the deceased.

The burial marks the end of a weeks-long period of mourning that has highlighted the human cost of the security crisis currently gripping parts of West Africa.

March 29, 2026
GIMPA at 65: Chief of Staff to keynote landmark anniversary launch

By Adnan Adams Mohammed

The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) is preparing to celebrate sixty-five years of academic leadership and institutional impact.

The upcoming Anniversary Launch marks a significant milestone for an institution that has become a cornerstone of public service training and professional excellence in West Africa.

The event is expected to draw a distinguished assembly of leaders, with Hon. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff, confirmed as the keynote speaker. His participation signals the government’s continued recognition of GIMPA as a vital partner in national development and public sector reform.

A Legacy of Leadership

Since its inception, GIMPA has evolved from a specialized training center into a comprehensive tertiary institution. The 65th-anniversary celebrations aim to:

Reflect on six and a half decades of academic rigor.

Celebrate the achievements of an alumni network that spans the highest levels of government and the private sector.

Innovate by unveiling a strategic vision for the future of leadership and management education.

”Hon. Debrah’s presence reaffirms GIMPA’s pivotal role in shaping the country’s leadership landscape and underscores the government’s commitment to advancing public service,” a representative of the planning committee noted.

A Gathering of Excellence

The launch will serve as a homecoming for faculty, alumni, and students. Beyond the formalities, the event is designed to foster dialogue on how GIMPA can continue to adapt to the evolving needs of Ghana’s development trajectory.

As the “Greenhill” campus prepares for the festivities, the atmosphere is one of both pride and anticipation. The 65th anniversary is not just a look back at a storied past, but a bold step toward a future defined by excellence and national service.

March 26, 2026
The Financial Sector Digital Fortress: Inside the BoG’s new shield against cyber warfare

By Adnan Adams Mohammed

In an era where the battlefield for national security has shifted from physical borders to fiber-optic cables, Ghana has just fortified its most critical asset: its financial heartbeat.

On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the commissioning of the Security Operations Centre (SOC) at the Bank Square didn’t just add a new facility to the Accra skyline; it signaled the birth of a digital fortress. Led by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah alongside Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama and First Deputy Governor Dr. Zakari Mumuni, the event marked a definitive end to the “wait-and-see” approach to cybersecurity.

The Invisible Threat

As Ghana’s economy aggressively digitizes from mobile money interoperability to the rise of fintech startups the surface area for cyberattacks has expanded exponentially. Hackers no longer need to breach a physical vault when they can attempt to siphon billions through a line of malicious code.

The SOC is the Bank of Ghana’s answer to this evolution. Acting as a centralized nerve center, the facility is designed to monitor the entire financial ecosystem in real time. It isn’t just looking for “viruses”; it is hunting for sophisticated, state-sponsored threats and coordinated financial fraud before they hit the balance sheets of ordinary Ghanaians.

Beyond Walls and Wires

What makes this milestone significant isn’t just the hardware. According to Dr. Zakari Mumuni, the SOC represents a shift in resilience.

”The question in modern banking is no longer if a threat will occur, but when,” a technical expert at the launch noted. “The SOC ensures that when that ‘when’ happens, the response is measured in milliseconds, not days.”

The integration of the SOC at Bank Square allows for:

Threat Intelligence Sharing: A “neighborhood watch” for banks, where a threat detected at one institution is immediately neutralized across the entire network.

24/7 Vigilance: A dedicated team of elite cyber-analysts working around the clock to safeguard the integrity of the Cedi.

Proactive Defense: Using AI and machine learning to predict vulnerabilities in the financial architecture before they can be exploited.

A Legacy of Stability

For Hon. Julius Debrah and the leadership at the Bank of Ghana, this move is about more than technology—it is about trust. In a global economy, investors go where they feel safe. By establishing one of the most advanced SOCs in the sub-region, Ghana is positioning itself as the safest financial hub in West Africa.

As the ribbon was cut on Wednesday, the message was clear: Ghana’s digital gates are now manned by a sentry that never sleeps. In the high-stakes world of global finance, the Bank of Ghana has ensured that the nation’s wealth remains exactly where it belongs protected, stable, and secure.

March 26, 2026
Bank of Ghana Boosts Financial Cybersecurity with New Operations Centre at Bank Square

In a decisive move to fortify the nation’s financial borders, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) officially commissioned its state-of-the-art Security Operations Centre (SOC) on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

The ceremony, held at the newly developed Bank Square, was led by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah, alongside the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama.

The commissioning marks a pivotal advancement in Ghana’s digital infrastructure. The SOC is designed as a high-tech, centralized hub dedicated to the 24/7 monitoring, detection, and mitigation of cybersecurity threats. By utilizing real-time data analytics and advanced threat intelligence, the facility will provide an essential shield for the country’s increasingly digitized financial ecosystem.

A Fortress for the Financial Sector

Speaking at the event, Hon. Julius Debrah emphasized the government’s commitment to digital security as a pillar of national stability.

”As our financial services move further into the digital realm, the risks we face evolve just as quickly. This Security Operations Centre is not just a building; it is a statement of our resilience and a proactive step in ensuring that every Ghanaian’s financial data and the nation’s assets are protected from global cyber threats,” the Chief of Staff noted.

The Governor, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, who was accompanied by the First Deputy Governor, Dr. Zakari Mumuni, highlighted that the SOC is part of a broader “FICSOC” (Financial Industry Security Operations Centre) initiative. This project aims to integrate the central bank’s defenses with those of commercial banks and other key stakeholders.

Enhancing Global Confidence

The establishment of the SOC at Bank Square is expected to enhance international investor confidence by demonstrating Ghana’s adherence to global cybersecurity standards.

According to Dr. Mumuni, the center will allow the BoG to respond to “evolving cyber risks” with unprecedented speed, ensuring that the banking sector remains robust against hacks, fraud, and system disruptions.

The commissioning of the SOC is the latest in a series of reforms by the current BoG leadership aimed at modernizing the central bank and safeguarding the digital economy.

Key Features of the new SOC:

Real-Time Surveillance: Constant tracking of suspicious activities across the financial network.

Rapid Incident Response: Automated and manual protocols to neutralize threats before they escalate.

Centralized Threat Intelligence: A shared data pool to help commercial banks anticipate emerging malware and phishing trends.

March 26, 2026