News Guide Africa

Tag: Chief of Staff

  • Enforce unbiased and daily commitment to national sanitation – Chief of Staff to local authorities

    Enforce unbiased and daily commitment to national sanitation – Chief of Staff to local authorities

    Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah has warned local authorities against selective law enforcement and superficial cleanup drives, calling for consistent, daily environmental discipline across the country.

    Delivering the keynote address at the Ghana Sanitation and Clean Environment Conference, organized by Ignite Media Group at the Cedi Conference Centre, University of Ghana, Legon, Dr. Debrah cautioned that sporadic monthly exercises cannot solve Ghana’s sanitation challenges.

    Highlighting the need for equal accountability, Dr. Debrah insisted that municipal authorities must enforce environmental regulations without bias toward status or wealth.

    “Enforcement must be firm, fair and consistent,” Dr. Debrah declared. “Rules applied only occasionally, or only to those without influence, will not change behaviour.”

    He criticized the reliance on periodic public cleanups, urging citizens and institutions to adopt environmental hygiene as a constant, everyday responsibility rather than a scheduled event.

    “One Saturday cannot carry the burden of an entire month,” he noted. “Cleanliness must become a daily habit, not a monthly ceremony.”

    Dr. Debrah further emphasized that maintaining a clean environment goes beyond visual appeal, framing sanitation as a critical benchmark for effective leadership and active citizenship.

    “A clean country is therefore not a cosmetic mission,” Dr. Debrah stated. “It is a test of citizenship. It is a test of leadership.”

    To track progress, the Chief of Staff pointed to institutional measures including sanitation key performance indicators integrated into the assessment framework for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), along with the Cleanest City Award, warning that practices such as indiscriminate dumping will no longer be tolerated.

     

  • Dr. Julius Debrah spearheads new public service modernization and heritage initiative

    Dr. Julius Debrah spearheads new public service modernization and heritage initiative

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah has unveiled a comprehensive reform initiative aimed at modernizing Ghana’s public sector while preserving national heritage, marking a major milestone in government operations.

    Speaking at the launch event held at Jubilee House, Dr. Debrah emphasized that efficiency and cultural identity must work hand-in-hand to build a resilient civil service.

    “Governance is about satisfying the needs of the people, and development must be seen, not just said,” Dr. Debrah stated during his keynote address. “As we integrate digital technology and modern frameworks into our administrative machinery, we must ensure our decisions remain rooted in the values and history that define us as a nation.”

    The newly outlined policy focuses on streamlining administrative workflow across ministries, accelerating local government capacity, and integrating data-driven tools into daily public sector management.

    Policy experts and public administration leaders have praised the strategic direction. Dr. Abena Mensah, a senior governance analyst at the University of Ghana, noted the significance of the timing and leadership behind the project.

    “Dr. Debrah brings a rare combination of deep academic grounding and extensive administrative experience to this role,” Dr. Mensah said. “His focus on combining structural efficiency with grassroots institutional strength provides a practical blueprint for sustainable reform.”

    Representatives from civil society organizations also expressed optimism regarding the initiative’s focus on transparency and institutional accountability.

    “What stands out about Dr. Debrah’s approach is his consistent focus on follow-through,” said Kwesi Asante, a policy advocate with the Governance Watch Coalition. “We have seen similar proposals in the past, but his track record in local government and central administration gives us confidence that these modernizing measures will deliver real, measurable results for everyday citizens.”

    Implementation of the modernized administrative framework is scheduled to roll out across key ministries over the coming months, with regional local government offices expected to follow.

     

  • Julius Debrah demands responsible mining as Ghana’s gold output soars

    Julius Debrah demands responsible mining as Ghana’s gold output soars

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    …At the National Mining Dialogue in Accra, Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah outlined a bold vision for domestic industrialization, while the Ghana Gold Board introduced its “IPE” strategy to empower host communities…

     

    Chief of Staff, Hon. Dr. Julius Debrah, has issued a stern reminder to mining executives, traditional authorities, and policymakers: Ghana’s rise to become Africa’s leading gold producer and the sixth-largest globally must be viewed as a solemn duty to the nation, rather than a mere point of pride.

    Speaking at the National Mining Dialogue 2026 at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, Dr. Debrah emphasized that global leadership in mining demands equal leadership in environmental protection, host-community development, and economic transformation.

    “Ghana’s position as the 6th largest gold-producing nation in the world places a huge responsibility on us,” Dr. Debrah declared. “It is a responsibility to mine responsibly, to safeguard our rivers and forest reserves, and to ensure that the wealth beneath our soil translates into tangible prosperity jobs for our youth, roads for our communities, and opportunities for generations yet unborn.”

     

    Transforming Gold into Domestic Industrial Strength

    Addressing state officials, foreign investors, and traditional leaders including His Royal Majesty the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II Dr. Debrah outlined the government’s commitment to reforming sector governance. He stressed that raw gold exports must give way to domestic refining, local manufacturing, and sustainable community development.

    “We will not preside over an industry that enriches a few while impoverishing the many,” Dr. Debrah stated. “The time has come for mining that respects our land, empowers our people, and expands our economy beyond the pit… Let us convert the gold in our ground into the factories, schools, and hospitals of tomorrow.”

     

    Dr. Debrah also urged a united civic effort to protect natural resources and hold operators accountable.

    “Our chiefs must guard the land. Our media must inform the people. Our civil society must hold us all to account. This is a national project,” he urged.

     

    GoldBod Unveils Strategy to Support Sector Reform

    Aligning with Dr. Debrah’s national mandate, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) delivered a keynote address on the event’s core theme, “Rethinking the Social Licence to Operate.”

    Highlighting recent trade data—which showed gold generating $20.2 billion (63.1%) of Ghana’s $32.0 billion total exports in 2025, with small-scale miners producing 52.4% of total output—the GoldBod chief noted that young people in mining districts must become direct beneficiaries of the sector.

    “A social license cannot survive where the youth believe mining has no place for them except as casual laborers… Mining communities must no longer be treated as land donors. They are custodians of the resource hence must be treated as development partners and economic shareholders,” the GoldBod CEO asserted.

     

    To turn this philosophy into practice, GoldBod detailed its operational IPE Framework:

    ● Involve: Giving host communities a formal stake in licensing decisions, increasing local royalty retention, mandating CSR contracts, and supporting indigenous mine ownership.

    ● Protect: Enforcing environmental laws, reclaiming degraded forests, formalizing small-scale operators, and rehabilitating critical water treatment facilities across affected regions.

    ● Expand: Boosting domestic refining, constructing the upcoming Ghana Gold Village for jewelry manufacturing, introducing an airport-based ISO National Assay Laboratory by late 2026, and launching a gold tokenization initiative in 2027 to democratize gold ownership for citizens.

    Key Targets and Sector Impact

    ● Formalized ASM Exports: Over 170 tonnes exported through formal channels since 2025, generating more than $17 billion in foreign exchange to stabilize the currency and bolster national reserves.

    ● Local Offtake Mandate: A shift to 30% local output acquisition from large-scale producers starting July 2026 to supply domestic refineries and pursue global LBMA certification.

    ● National Assay Laboratory: Groundbreaking scheduled for November 2026 at Accra Airport to install ISO-certified Fire Assay standard testing for all gold exports.

    ● Environmental Rehabilitation: Reclaiming 150 total hectares of degraded lands in the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve and funding the rehabilitation of 6 Ghana Water Limited treatment plants.

    The summit concluded with shared agreement between state leaders and industry players that long-term commercial success in Ghana’s gold fields will ultimately depend on local value creation, active youth participation, and environmental restoration.

     

  • Chief of Staff urges mining sector reforms to reflect Ghana’s mineral wealth in host communities

    Chief of Staff urges mining sector reforms to reflect Ghana’s mineral wealth in host communities

    Government has issued a firm call to stakeholders across the mining sector, declaring that historic mining communities like Obuasi must reflect the immense wealth extracted from their soil.

    Speaking at the National Mining Dialogue in Accra, Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Deputy Government Spokesperson Shamima Muslim, emphasized that as the world’s sixth-largest gold producer, Ghana bears a heavy responsibility to ensure its wealth is visible in local infrastructure and human development.

    “We have heard that Ghana is now the 6th largest gold-producing country in the entire world,” Dr. Debrah noted in his keynote address. “We may applaud, but that also brings us huge responsibility to look like the 6th largest gold-producing nation of the world. Government remains committed to lawful, responsible mining and enforcement; each matter must be handled fairly on evidence and through the proper institution.”

    The Chief of Staff’s remarks underscored a growing national consensus that decades of mineral extraction must no longer leave host towns lagging behind in basic infrastructure and industrial growth. Calling for a shift from unsafe practices to structured, transparent systems, Dr. Debrah reiterated that the public will ultimately judge the country’s mining sector by the tangible wealth retained domestically and the strength of national reserves.

    “Formalisation must not become a war against vulnerability and security,” he added. “From an opaque market to a fair market and from unsafe practices to responsible livelihoods, the artisanal miner should hear reforms and an invitation to operate safely, lawfully, and profitably.”

    Echoing the Chief of Staff’s charge, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, highlighted the stark reality of host communities like Obuasi, drawing a sharp contrast between long-standing local extraction and the actual transformation on the ground.

    “We cannot continue to mine gold from the soil of our communities while poverty, lack of access to potable water, poor roads, youth unemployment, and weak local capacity persist,” Gyamfi stated. “Ghana has mined gold commercially for more than a century, yet Obuasi can produce gold for generations and still not compare to Johannesburg in industrial depth, urban development, and economic opportunities. Extraction without intentional policy does not automatically produce transformation.”

    Gyamfi argued that host communities should be treated as active development partners and economic shareholders rather than mere land donors. Under the central framework of the Ghana Gold Board, government efforts aim to build value by strengthening local processing, refining, and supply chain logistics.

    As state agencies, mining operators, and local leaders assess the road ahead, the consensus remains clear: policy reforms under GoldBod and the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme must deliver visible, lasting progress to communities like Obuasi so that their infrastructure finally mirrors the gold beneath their soil.

     

  • Gov’t defends press freedom as Chief of Staff says critical journalism are not enemies of the state

    Gov’t defends press freedom as Chief of Staff says critical journalism are not enemies of the state

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    Hon. Dr. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to press freedom and democratic rights, stating that public scrutiny from journalists and citizens is vital for strengthening governance across the nation.

    Speaking during a meeting on Monday, 17 August 2026, Dr. Debrah emphasized that leadership has a fundamental duty to defend constitutional protections and support open civic space, even when public criticism challenges those in power.

    “Journalists who question government are not enemies of the state,” Dr. Debrah stated. “Peaceful protest is a constitutional right, and leadership must defend institutions to make room for inconvenient truths.”

    He noted that holding government accountable is an essential function of a thriving democracy rather than an act of hostility, urging public officials to embrace constructive scrutiny.

    “Leadership has a responsibility to protect institutions and uphold constitutional freedoms, even when the criticism is uncomfortable,” Dr. Debrah added during the address. “Scrutiny from the media and citizens ultimately strengthens governance and keeps us accountable to the people we serve.”

    The Chief of Staff’s remarks have drawn swift attention across media, political, and civil society circles, with many legal experts and press freedom advocates welcoming the statement as a crucial reaffirmation of democratic principles.

    “It is reassuring to hear high-level recognition that investigative journalism and civic engagement are key pillars of our national development,” remarked a senior civil society coordinator following the event. “Defending the right to ask hard questions and protecting peaceful assembly ensures our democratic institutions remain resilient.”

     

  • Julius Debrah’s behind-the-scenes leadership powering the executive machinery

    Julius Debrah’s behind-the-scenes leadership powering the executive machinery

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    In the high-stakes arena of national politics, effective governance often relies less on public grandstanding and far more on the silent, deliberate mechanics of executive strategy.

    At the center of this administrative engine stands former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, whose quiet approach to political coordination continues to serve as a cornerstone of President John Dramani Mahama’s operational success.

    From managing key political relationships to aligning policy execution across ministries, Debrah has carved out a reputation as the ultimate stabilizer a strategist who operates out of the spotlight to guarantee that presidential directives move seamlessly from policy design to practical implementation.

    Observers of the administration note that his calm demeanor and focus on structural discipline have provided much-needed cohesion within the executive branch, shielding long-term government priorities from daily political distractions.

    “Julius Debrah’s greatest asset is his ability to project power without noise,” observed a senior political scientist in Accra. “In an political environment often dominated by media theatrics, his focus remains entirely on operational efficiency, political harmony, and delivering on executive promises.”

     

    The Diplomat of the Inner Circle

    Having previously served as Eastern Regional Minister, Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, and Chief of Staff, Debrah brings years of hands-on administrative experience to the table.

    Colleagues and party insiders routinely point to his open-door policy and conflict-resolution skills as instrumental in bridging gaps between party grassroots, civil servants, and political appointees.

    “He understands the human side of governance,” noted a senior party strategist. “Debrah listens carefully, resolves friction quietly, and ensures that everyone—from grassroots organizers to sector ministers—remains focused on a singular objective: supporting the President’s vision for the country.”

     

    A Model for Modern Political Strategy

    As the administration navigates complex economic and social reforms, political analysts suggest that the presence of seasoned, low-profile strategists like Debrah is essential for long-term institutional stability.

    Rather than seeking personal accolades, his method centers on building sustainable governance frameworks that enhance state capacity and public trust.

    “True strategic success is measured by output, stability, and public confidence,” a governance fellow added. “Julius Debrah demonstrates that quiet planning and steady coordination are the real drivers behind a successful presidency.”

     

  • Volta Economic Corridor ready for long-term private capital as concession negotiations begin

    Volta Economic Corridor ready for long-term private capital as concession negotiations begin

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    Ghana’s ambitious Volta Economic Corridor project has entered a pivotal phase for institutional and private investors as formal negotiations commenced in Accra.

    The discussion is to help establish the legal and financial framework necessary to unlock major capital investments in inland water transport, logistics, and regional trade infrastructure.

    Driven under the government’s 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, the negotiations, involving the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), are structured to deliver a bankable concession agreement to govern the development, financing, and operation of the Water-Lake Transport Project.

    Launching the negotiations, Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah highlighted the strategic commercial value of the corridor, framing the initiative as a landmark opportunity to transform the Volta Lake from a hydroelectric asset into a multi-sector economic powerhouse connecting northern and southern trade routes.

    “Leadership is measured by the changes it brings to the lives of the people,” Dr. Debrah stated, assuring investors and business leaders that the government remains committed to creating a secure partnership model. He noted that the next phase of the historic Volta basin vision is “to harness the lake to promote transport, trade, investment and regional integration.”

    The initiative seeks to establish a high-capacity north-south transport corridor supported by modern inland ports to streamline cargo movement, drastically lower domestic freight costs, and catalyze commercial activity in surrounding industries.

    Underlining the economic fundamentals underpinning the project, Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, Mr. Goosie Tanoh, revealed that detailed technical and market studies confirmed high-yield potential across inland shipping, renewable energy, irrigation, manufacturing, and tourism.

    “The concession negotiations will establish a framework capable of attracting long-term private investment while safeguarding the interests of the state and all participating institutions,” Mr. Tanoh noted, emphasizing the project’s structured approach to risk management and investor security.

    To accelerate project timelines and derisk early-stage development, GIIF has already approved initial financing for preparatory works while actively co-structuring capital mobilization efforts with foreign and domestic private sector partners.

    Board Chairman of GIIF, Franklin Mensah, confirmed that the fund is coordinating closely with the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat to position the Water-Lake Transport Project as a key pillar for infrastructure-led growth.

    “The project will create a major north-south transport corridor along the Volta Lake, supported by inland ports to facilitate cargo movement, reduce transport costs and stimulate economic activities along the corridor,” Mr. Mensah said, adding that GIIF is leading efforts to crowd in additional private equity and debt financing.

     

     

  • “Beyond Paper Solutions”: Dr. Julius Debrah challenges KNUST to lead Ghana’s industrialization

    “Beyond Paper Solutions”: Dr. Julius Debrah challenges KNUST to lead Ghana’s industrialization

    Drive Jobs Through Innovation: Chief of Staff urges KNUST to commercialize research

     

    Chief of Staff, Dr. Julius Debrah, has challenged the leadership and faculty of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to pivot from traditional academic publishing toward aggressive, market-driven innovation aimed at tackling Ghana’s employment crisis.

    Delivering a keynote address during a stakeholder summit in Kumasi, Dr. Debrah argued that the true measure of a university’s excellence in the modern era lies in its ability to spawn industries, not just award degrees.

    He pointed out that while Ghanaian academia produces a wealth of valuable data, the lack of commercialization leaves the national economy relying heavily on imported technology and solutions.

    “The era of doing research merely for academic promotion or library archives must come to an end,” Dr. Debrah declared. “We are asking KNUST to take the lead in converting intellectual property into tangible manufacturing plants, tech startups, and commercial farms that directly absorb our young graduates.”

    To achieve this transformation, the Chief of Staff called for a structural overhaul in how tertiary institutions collaborate with the financial sector and corporate bodies. He urged universities to set up dedicated venture capital funds and specialized business incubators to help student innovators scale their ideas into viable commercial enterprises.

    “If a student develops a practical technology in a laboratory here in Kumasi, there should be an existing framework that connects that breakthrough directly to private equity,” he noted. “We must build an ecosystem where our brightest minds are empowered to build companies, rather than lining up with resumes in search of limited public sector jobs.”

    Stakeholders and faculty members in attendance acknowledged the call, noting that while funding for commercial-grade prototyping remains a major hurdle, aligning academic curricula with private sector needs is an essential step forward for the university’s mission.

    The conference concluded with a call on policymakers to introduce tax incentives and strategic support for university spin-offs, ensuring that local research serves as the primary engine for Ghana’s future economic resilience.

     

  • Chief of Staff dedicates academic milestone to President Mahama

    Chief of Staff dedicates academic milestone to President Mahama

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah has officially attained his doctoral degree, marking a major milestone in his academic and public service career.

    Following the successful completion of his doctoral program with the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies at the University of Ghana, Dr. Debrah expressed profound appreciation to the mentors, traditional leaders, family members, and statesmen who supported his research in tourism and heritage preservation.

    Reflecting on the achievement, Dr. Debrah dedicated his doctoral thesis to President John Dramani Mahama and First Lady Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, citing their continuous commitment to national service as his primary motivation.

    “I respectfully dedicate this thesis to H.E. John Dramani Mahama and his dear wife, Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, whose exemplary commitment to leadership, service, and national development continues to inspire me,” Dr. Debrah stated.

     

    He reinforced the underlying philosophy behind his academic pursuit by echoing a key message on continuous personal development:

    “In the words of President John Dramani Mahama, ‘This achievement is a powerful reminder that learning is a lifelong pursuit.’ I remain profoundly grateful to you all.”

     

    Rigorous Academic Research and Fieldwork

    Dr. Debrah’s doctoral research was undertaken through the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s Remaking Societies, Remaking Persons (RSRP) supranational project, under which he served as a Research Fellow at the University of Ghana.

    His thesis committee was led by Principal Supervisor Professor Kodzo Gavua, alongside committee members Professor Benjamin Kankpeyeng and Dr. Pascall Taruvinga. Dr. Debrah highlighted the crucial guidance provided by his supervisors and academic department throughout his research.

    “I owe a special debt of gratitude to my Principal Supervisor, Professor Kodzo Gavua, and to the other members of my Thesis Supervisory Committee… Their insightful counsel, constructive criticism, intellectual support, and encouragement were instrumental in bringing this work to completion,” he noted. “My sincere appreciation also goes to all faculty members and students of the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies at the University of Ghana for creating a collegial, intellectually stimulating, and supportive environment.”

     

    Engagement with Traditional Leadership

    A significant portion of Dr. Debrah’s heritage and tourism research involved extensive field research within the Kwahu traditional area. He acknowledged the traditional authorities and community elders who provided historical knowledge and access during his investigations, including Nana Effah Opinimang III (Chief of Obomeng), Nana Kwasi Opoku Minta II (Chief of Kwahu Tafo), and Nana Akyemfour Asiedu Agyemang III (Chief of Abetifi).

    “I am profoundly grateful to the chiefs, queen mothers, elders, and people of Kwahu who generously contributed to this research,” Dr. Debrah expressed. “I also extend my sincere appreciation to all the individuals who participated in my field research and generously shared their time, knowledge, experiences, and insights with me.”

     

    Family Support and Institutional Foundation

    Throughout his rigorous academic schedule and field assignments, Dr. Debrah emphasized that the steadfast backing of his family served as his primary pillar of strength.

    “I am particularly indebted to my beloved wife, Mrs. Victoria Debrah, and my dear children, for their patience, understanding, sacrifices, and unwavering support throughout the course of my studies,” he added. “This achievement is not mine alone; it reflects the generosity, support, and confidence of the many individuals and institutions who accompanied me on this journey.”

     

    Dr. Debrah’s successful doctoral defense adds a major academic accomplishment to his ongoing leadership role as Chief of Staff.

     

  • Political analysts edges Chief of Staff’s policy standing at the Presidency ….as Julius Debrah bags PhD degree

    Political analysts edges Chief of Staff’s policy standing at the Presidency ….as Julius Debrah bags PhD degree

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    The official standing of the Chief of Staff, Dr. Julius Debrah, has received a notable boost following the public highlight of his newly conferred Doctorate degree, a milestone that governance experts say strengthens the administrative and policy engine of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.

    Serving at the center of government machinery at Jubilee House, Dr. Debrah, who previously held the chief of staff role during Mahama’s first term and served as Minister for Local Government, is widely regarded as one of the administration’s key strategists. The academic title adds intellectual weight to his extensive record in public service, regional administration, and party organization within the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Political observers note that in a period where government focus centers on economic revitalization and public sector reform, having a Chief of Staff with both deep administrative experience and advanced academic credentials reinforces executive decision-making.

    “The position of Chief of Staff is the operational heart of the Presidency,” explained Dr. Kwame Mensah, a public policy analyst based in Accra. “Dr. Julius Debrah’s elevated academic status, combined with his long-standing reputation as a pragmatic negotiator, provides the ruling government with a strong balance of high-level policy strategy and practical coordination across ministries.”

     

    Within the ruling NDC, party leaders have welcomed the achievement, citing it as proof of the high-caliber leadership driving the current government’s agenda.

    “Dr. Debrah has always been a disciplined unifier and a dedicated servant of the state,” remarked a senior NDC national executive. “Achieving a PhD while managing critical government operations demonstrates the depth of competence at the helm of President Mahama’s administration. It gives confidence to both the party base and the general public.”

     

    Addressing public sector leaders during a recent governance review at the Flagstaff House, Dr. Debrah emphasized that higher qualifications must translate directly into public service delivery.

    “Governance is ultimately measured by how effectively policy decisions improve the everyday lives of our people,” Dr. Debrah stated. “Academic milestones and professional titles serve their true purpose only when they enhance our capacity to deliver responsive, transparent, and accountable administration across all sectors of the nation.”

     

    As the Mahama administration advances its national agenda, Dr. Debrah’s dual standing as a seasoned executive administrator and an academically decorated policy mind solidifies his role as a vital pillar in the nation’s governance framework.