News Guide Africa

Tag: Julius Debrah

  • Chief of Staff Urges Shared Security Approach to Safeguard Maritime Space for Thriving Blue Economy

    Chief of Staff Urges Shared Security Approach to Safeguard Maritime Space for Thriving Blue Economy

    Story by Lawrence Odoom/Phalonzy

    The Government of Ghana, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, has reaffirmed its commitment to regional maritime security, economic resilience, and economic cooperation at the 4th International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC). Represented by Chief of Staff Hon. Julius Debrah, the message was delivered in a powerful speech that underscored the importance of harnessing the potential of the blue economy to drive national development.

    “The blue economy is our next frontier,” Mahama declared. “It is time to match our aspirations with investments in technology, collaboration, and human capacity development.”

    He emphasized that maritime security is not only crucial for protecting national assets but also for advancing the broader goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the region’s industrial transformation.

    “We must adopt a shared security approach—no country can protect its maritime space in isolation,” Debrah said, reading the President’s statement. “Ghana, under President Mahama’s leadership, will build on smart partnerships to protect our common waters and promote peace.”

    The President’s message was hailed as a clarion call to stakeholders, both public and private, to support Ghana’s blueprint for the future.

    He reiterated that Ghana remains open to strategic investment and joint ventures in maritime logistics, shipbuilding, port infrastructure, and coastal tourism.

    “Our waters hold the promise of economic empowerment,” Mahama concluded. “Let us secure it, protect it, and build a future upon it.”

  • Working group to draft new National Anti-Corruption Strategy inaugurated

     

     

     

    The Government of Ghana has inaugurated a working group to develop a new National Anti-Corruption Strategy, with a strong charge to deliver bold reforms aimed at reversing the country’s declining performance in the fight against corruption.

     

    Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Accra, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah congratulated the members of the group on their appointment and reminded them of the critical responsibility entrusted to them.

     

    He noted that this next strategy comes at a pivotal moment in Ghana’s anti-corruption journey, and under the renewed leadership of President John Dramani Mahama.

     

    Mr. Debrah recalled that Ghana’s first National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP), passed in 2014 during President Mahama’s previous administration, helped raise awareness about corruption, encouraged whistleblowing, and drove the digitisation of key public services, including ports and financial systems.

     

    The period also saw an increase in operational activities from agencies like CHRAJ, the Office of the Special Prosecutor, and EOCO in investigations and asset recovery.

     

    However, he admitted that despite these strides, Ghana’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) score had dropped from a high of 48% in 2014 to a record low of 42% in 2024, the final year of the NACAP’s implementation.

     

    “One could argue that NACAP has not performed too well when it comes to the actual reduction of corruption in our country. The evidence is out there for all Ghanaians to see,” he said.

     

    “We have to reverse this trend, and I charge this group to ensure that the strategy does precisely that.”

     

    The Chief of Staff emphasised that ethics and moral integrity must be central pillars in the new strategy.

     

    He urged the team to depart from past assumptions and deliver a framework that delivers measurable and sustainable outcomes, describing the effort as a “shock therapy” for Ghana’s anti-corruption drive.

     

    The strategy, which is expected to be delivered in draft form by August 31, 2025, will be coordinated by the Office of the Presidential Advisor on the National Anti-Corruption Programme (PANACP), in collaboration with the Chief of Staff’s office and principal partners such as the Attorney- General’s office, the OSP, and CHRAJ.

     

    Mr. Debrah assured the team of the government’s support, promising resource allocation despite the country’s ongoing fiscal challenges.

     

    However, he called for prudence and accountability from the team in managing resources.

     

    He also expressed gratitude to CHRAJ for its decade-long leadership in coordinating Ghana’s anti-corruption agenda, pledging continued collaboration to promote human rights and administrative justice.

     

    “We have confidence in the technical expertise of the team that has been assembled,” he  said.

     

    “We expect your fullest commitment to the cause,”he concluded

     

     

     

    The formation of the working group marks the beginning of the second phase of Ghana’s national fight against corruption, with the government pledging a more robust, technology-driven, and ethical approach to tackling the canker.

     

     

     

  • Julius Debrah implores local businesses to capitalize on trade opportunities availed at Ghana-China Business Summit 2025

    By Lawrence Odoom

    The 2025 Ghana-China Business Summit, a five-day extravaganza held from June 23 to June 27, 2025, in Accra, has drawn to a close, leaving an enduring impact on Ghana’s economic landscape.

    In his valedictory remarks, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah issued a clarion call to Ghanaian businesses, urging them to seize the burgeoning opportunities arising from the deepening partnership between Ghana and China.

    This conclave of business leaders, policymakers, and investors served as a vibrant platform for trade facilitation, investment matchmaking, and cultural exchange, fostering stronger economic ties between the two countries.

    Deliberations centered on pivotal sectors such as agriculture, technology, infrastructure, and manufacturing, with participants exploring avenues to harness China’s vast global trade networks.

    Mr. Debrah commended the Ghanaian business community for their fervent participation, noting that their commitment underscored a collective ambition to excel on the global stage.

    “For business executives to stop all you are doing just to be part of this programme tells us that the Ghanaian business community is also poised to be successful,” he articulated.

    The Chief of Staff underscored the imperative of sustained engagement, exhorting participants to nurture the connections and leads established during the summit to ensure a lasting impact.

    “The partnerships forged here must be nurtured to unlock the full potential of this relationship,” he emphasized, calling for proactive measures to translate discussions into tangible business outcomes.

    Indeed, as Ghana continues to position itself as a hub for investment in West Africa, the summit reinforced the nation’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for trade and innovation.

    Undoubtedly, with the Ghana-China partnership gathering momentum, the 2025 Business Summit has set the stage for transformative economic growth, offering Ghanaian businesses a unique opportunity to scale globally through strategic collaboration with Chinese counterparts.

    The event culminated in a renewed sense of optimism, as participants expressed confidence in the potential for deepened economic ties to drive prosperity for both nations. Ultimately, as Ghanaian businesses heed Mr. Debrah’s clarion call to action, the summit’s legacy is set to shape the future of Ghana-China relations for years to come.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Ghana-China Business Summit 2025 Culminates in a Resounding Success, Chief of Staff Implores Local Businesses to Capitalize on Lucrative Trade Opportunities

    Ghana-China Business Summit 2025 Culminates in a Resounding Success, Chief of Staff Implores Local Businesses to Capitalize on Lucrative Trade Opportunities

    Story by Phalonzy

    The 2025 Ghana-China Business Summit, a five-day extravaganza held from June 23 to June 27, 2025, in Accra, has drawn to a close, leaving an enduring impact on Ghana’s economic landscape.

    In his valedictory remarks, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah issued a clarion call to Ghanaian businesses, urging them to seize the burgeoning opportunities arising from the deepening partnership between Ghana and China.

    This conclave of business leaders, policymakers, and investors served as a vibrant platform for trade facilitation, investment matchmaking, and cultural exchange, fostering stronger economic ties between the two countries.

    Deliberations centered on pivotal sectors such as agriculture, technology, infrastructure, and manufacturing, with participants exploring avenues to harness China’s vast global trade networks.

    Mr. Debrah commended the Ghanaian business community for their fervent participation, noting that their commitment underscored a collective ambition to excel on the global stage.

    “For business executives to stop all you are doing just to be part of this programme tells us that the Ghanaian business community is also poised to be successful,” he articulated.

    The Chief of Staff underscored the imperative of sustained engagement, exhorting participants to nurture the connections and leads established during the summit to ensure a lasting impact.

    “The partnerships forged here must be nurtured to unlock the full potential of this relationship,” he emphasized, calling for proactive measures to translate discussions into tangible business outcomes.

    Indeed, as Ghana continues to position itself as a hub for investment in West Africa, the summit reinforced the nation’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for trade and innovation.

    Undoubtedly, with the Ghana-China partnership gathering momentum, the 2025 Business Summit has set the stage for transformative economic growth, offering Ghanaian businesses a unique opportunity to scale globally through strategic collaboration with Chinese counterparts.

    The event culminated in a renewed sense of optimism, as participants expressed confidence in the potential for deepened economic ties to drive prosperity for both nations. Ultimately, as Ghanaian businesses heed Mr. Debrah’s clarion call to action, the summit’s legacy is set to shape the future of Ghana-China relations for years to come.

  • Ghana woos Chinese investors

    Ghana woos Chinese investors

    Alongside the just ended Ghana–China Business Summit 2025, the Office of the Chief of Staff at the Presidency hosted a high-powered delegation of Chinese investors, last week.

    The meeting was aimed boosting Ghana’s international investment drive and appeal to Chinese investors, especially manufacturers, as government is scheduled to unveil the 24-Hour Economy policy this week,

    The summit, organized in collaboration with the Sino-Africa Group, underscores a renewed commitment to economic partnership between the two countries.

    Representing President John Dramani Mahama, Hon Julius Debrah welcomed the delegation at Jubilee House and called on Chinese manufacturers to seize Ghana’s strategic advantages its geographic position, political stability, and ambitious 24-Hour Economy Agenda to make the country a leading hub for African industrialization.

    “This is more than trade; it’s a partnership for shared transformation. Ghana is building a future-ready economy, and China’s industrial leadership can be a cornerstone in that journey,” Debrah told the delegation.

    The Chinese team was led by Mr. Chen Xiaowei, who praised Ghana’s forward-thinking policies and economic climate, calling the country “the China of Africa in the making.” He urged both governments to enhance institutional cooperation to attract and sustain long-term investment confidence.

    The Ghana-China Business Summit 2025 marks a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, positioning Ghana as a gateway to Africa for global investors. The summit attracted a wide range of Chinese business leaders, industrialists, and policy influencers.

    Delivering a keynote at the summit, Minister in Charge of Presidential Special Initiatives, Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, laid out Ghana’s investment roadmap, emphasizing the country’s readiness to support large-scale industrial collaboration.

    “Ghana is not open for charity. Ghana is open for access,” Agyekum declared. “We offer a politically stable, investment-ready climate and access to over 400 million consumers in the ECOWAS region.”

    He also highlighted Ghana’s US$100 billion ‘Big Push’ agenda, which includes investments in manufacturing, logistics, energy, and national infrastructure—all designed to underpin the 24-Hour Economy, launching officially on July 1st.

    According to him, Ghana offers a unique opportunity for Chinese investors, with access to a politically stable, investment-ready environment and a vast market of over 400 million consumers in the ECOWAS region.

    “Ghana is not open for charity. Ghana is open for access,” he declared.

    The minister highlighted several projects under The Big Push initiative, a US$10 billion industrial and infrastructure agenda championed by John Dramani Mahama. These include US$10 million Trade Fair Cantres in Volta and Ashanti, US$3 million in assembly plant opportunities, and $2 billion in national road rehabilitation.

    Emmanuel Agyekum extended an invitation to Chinese partners to build boldly in Ghana, citing China’s success in transforming cities like Shenzhen, Hainan, and Chongqing.

    “You built Shenzhen. You transformed Hainan. You redefined Chongqing. Now, we invite you to build boldly with us in Ghana,” he said.

    He emphasized that Ghana is ready to lead, and China is invited to power the 24-Hour Economy, launching on July 1st.

    “Let us bond beyond protocol. Let us build beyond bureaucracy. Let projects be our shared language. Let results be our signature handshake,” Agyekum urged.

    The Special Initiatives Minister further noted that “Ghana has the land. Ghana has the leadership. Ghana has the leverage. What we need, what we welcome, is YOU. Let us rise together. Let us build boldly. Let us begin in Ghana.”

     

     

     

  • Ghana targets major exporter of automobile in West Africa – Julius Debrah reveals at Automotive Summit 2025

    Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff at the Ghana Automotive Summit 2025

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

    Hon. Julius Debrah, has emphasized on Ghana’s potential to become a major vehicle export hub in West Africa, referencing successful exports to Côte d’Ivoire.

    The Chief of Staff, representing President John Dramani Mahama at the Ghana Automotive Summit 2025, encouraged the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into production lines and promised the government’s commitment to providing practical support and incentives to investors.

    Accompanied by the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Hon. Stan Dogbe, he recalled Ghana’s rich car assembly history from the 1970s and described today’s developments as a renaissance — a rebirth of national industrial ambition. He underscored the importance of local production in creating jobs, restoring dignity, and making brand-new vehicles affordable for ordinary Ghanaians.

    “As a government, we are all ears,” he said. “Let’s move this industry forward — together.”

  • Kwahu Business Forum: Ghana seeks to be lead exporter in W/A… as indigenous businesses receive boost 

    Julius Debrah speaks at Kwahu Business Forum, 2025

     

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    Government has assured of its full commitment to facilitate all necessary assistance to indigenous Ghanaian businesses in the agri-business chain and export focused businesses following the Kwahu Business Forum.

     

    As government promise to financially resources over 600 businesses through banks and financial institutions, targeting 5 businesses per a bank at a time each year from the 16 regions of Ghana, it has tasked the Presidential Advisor on the Economy to spearhead the initiative

    into an export focused national policy.

     

    The concept of the forum birthed from the presidency, has high potent of success as government dedicate much attention to it.

     

    “The President has directed that in the addition to all the effort being made by the Minister for Trade Industry and Agri-bussiness is also nominated the Presidential Adviser of Economy, Seth Terkper, at the Presidency to have an oversight responsibility on this project” Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff said in his closing remarks at the just ended maiden edition of the Forum.

     

    “Anybody who is having challenges in regard to an objective set here can always reach out to the Presidency and attention will be paid to and ensure that the time you spent here has not been wasted in vain.

     

    The Chief of Staff, who hosted the event in his hometown, has also dedicated his personal commitment to plant a legacy that will elevate indigenous businesses to international standard.

     

    “Next year is going to see an expanded event more of trade fair, an international standard event that will have a fair alongside the forum.

     

    “There are going to emerge indigenous business Advisory Council where they will select very indigenous people that are going to ensure that they really grow the bussiness groups and will be attached to the President on his international trade and investment trips outside the country to mount an exhibition of Ghanaian products with international standards finishing to help position Ghana as the leading exporter in the West African countries”, Mr Debrah added.

     

    Watch video below:

     

     

     

  • Last-minute NPP employment: Presidency revoke all unethical contracts

    Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff of John Mahama Presidency

     

     

     

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    The Office of the President has directed all heads of government institutions to revoke all unethical ‘last-minute employment’ the outgone NPP government did in bad faith to overburden the public purse.

     

    This is to help purge the government payroll from overbearance of all persons added to the payroll on or after Saturday, December 7th 2024.

     

    The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, who signed the directive emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in government payroll management processes.

     

    Heads of all public institutions are to oblige by the new directive.

     

    This follows earlier directive from the presidency tasking all heads of public institutions to provide on all such persons employed on the December 7th 2024.

     

    The memo urged the heads to ensure the requested information is submitted no later than Friday, January 31, 2025.

     

    The memo outlines that institutions are required to submit the following details for each staff member added within the specified period:

     

    Full Name

     

    Designation/Job Title

     

    Employee Identification Number (if applicable)

     

    Date of Appointment

     

    Date Added to Payroll

     

    The directive was part of ongoing efforts to verify and ensure the accuracy of government payroll records, specifically those added during the tenure of the John Mahama administration.

     

    “This information is critical to maintaining transparency and accountability,” the memo states, stressing the need for prompt compliance. Institutions facing any challenges or requiring clarification have been encouraged to reach out without hesitation.

     

    The directive has also been copied to the Vice President, the Secretary to the President, and other key stakeholders, underscoring the significance of this initiative in addressing payroll integrity across government institutions.

     

    Failure to meet the submission deadline may attract scrutiny, as the government seeks to streamline payroll systems and eliminate any discrepancies.

     

  • Day-old Mahama govt saves Ghanaians from imminent load shedding 

    President John Mahama and Julius Debrah

     

     

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    The day-old John Mahama administration has swiftly worked to avert an imminent power crisis it inherited from the NPP administration.

     

    A committee led by Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff, has managed to purchase emergency fuel from Nigeria and others in replace of gas supply cut from the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) due to a planned maintenance scheduled to take place from January 20 to February 16, 2025.

     

    It was estimated by the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) that, about US$ 89 million will be needed to to buy liquid fuel to replace the gas cut to all power generation plants in the Tema enclave.

     

    “A total of US$ 89.90 million is required to purchase liquid fuel to run thermal plants in order to meet demand for the period”, a GRIDCo report titled, “Power Supply Outlook For The WAGP Offshore Pigging From January 20 – February 16, 2025 And Projections For 2025”  stated. “System demand is projected to grow steadily to an annual peak of 4,415.42MW by the last quarter of 2025.”

     

    The report revealed that, the planned maintenance which was initially scheduled to take place in October 2024, but the immediate past NPP government coerced the company to postpone the exercise to this year.

     

    “This maintenance was originally scheduled for October 2024 but had to be rescheduled at the request of the Ministry of Energy”, the report noted.

     

    This is expected to affect gas supply to power generation plants, basically in Tema enclaves. It is expected that, there will be deficit in generation capacity during the period of the WAPCO pigging exercise. There is therefore the need to procure liquid fuel to run thermal plants in Tema to meet demand.

     

    It further indicated that, “There will accordingly be the need to secure additional generation resources with dependable capacity of at least 244.66 MW by the last quarter of the year to ensure sustained supply adequacy by the end of the year.”

     

    This is likely to resort in load shedding in days to come.

     

  • Confirmed: Julius Debrah named Chief of Staff in Mahama’s first appointment 

    President John Mahama and his Chief of Staff Julius Debrah

    President-elect, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has confirmed the appointment of Julius Debrah as his Chief of Staff.

    The appointment was contained a press statement which announced six others as senior presidential staffers.

     

    Read below Press Statement:

    OFFICE OF HE JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA

    PRESIDENT-ELECT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA

    Monday, January 06, 2025.

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    President-elect makes appointments to the Office of the President

    The President-elect, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has made the following appointments to the Office of the President.

    1. Julius Debrah-Chief of Staff

    2. Dr. Callistus Mahama – Executive Secretary to the President.

    3. Prosper Douglas Bani – Head of Interim Security Taskforce

    4. Dr. Valerie Sawyerr – Senior Presidential Advisor, Governmental Affairs.

    5. Augustus Goosie Tannoh-Presidential Advisor Responsible for 24-hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development.

    6. Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew-Legal Counsel to the President of Ghana.

    7. Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu-Ag. Spokesperson to the President

    These appointments take effect from Tuesday, January 7th, 2025.

    SIGNED

    Felix Kwakye Ofosu

    Special Aide