The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has urged Ghanaians to cultivate strong and genuine relationships that transcend political and social divisions, stressing that such bonds are essential for national unity and development.
According to him, the strength of any society depends largely on the quality of interpersonal relationships among its people, highlighting the importance of mutual respect, understanding, and forgiveness in sustaining meaningful connections.
Mr. Debrah made the remarks when he addressed members of the Accra Friendship Club at their Dinner and Awards Night held in Accra on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
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Speaking on the theme of relationships, the Chief of Staff encouraged members of the club to value human connections while maintaining moral, social, and functional boundaries in their interactions.
“In life, whether in human relations, organisations, or in our pursuit of success, there are moral, social, and functional boundaries that must be respected. When we build genuine relationships based on respect and affection, they can last a lifetime and shape our future in ways we may never imagine,” Mr. Debrah said.
Mr. Debrah also expressed concern about the growing partisan tensions between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
According to him, the increasing political acrimony risks undermining healthy relationships among Ghanaians.
He urged citizens to prioritise unity and friendship over political differences, stressing that national progress requires cooperation and mutual understanding.
Mr. Debrah shared a personal story about his long-standing relationship with former President John Agyekum Kufuor, which dates back to his days as a student at Achimota School.
He explained that during his time as a sixth-form student, Mr. Kufuor’s son, Kofi Kufuor, was a junior student whom he served as a “school father.”
“At the time, sixth-form students had cubicles, and when juniors received provisions from their parents, they entrusted them to their school fathers for safekeeping. I was responsible for keeping Kofi Kufuor’s provisions,” he recalled.
Mr. Debrah said he never imagined that Mr. Kufuor would later become President of Ghana or that he himself would one day serve as Chief of Staff.
However, he noted that the relationship he built with the Kufuor family led to mentorship, occasional visits to the former President’s residence near the Kotoka International Airport area, and valuable life advice.
“He would ask about my background, my parents, and advise me to be a disciplined young man so that I could become a responsible person in the future. Today, the rest, as they say, is history,” he said.
Mr. Debrah emphasised that relationships built on trust, respect, and forgiveness can have a lasting impact on people’s lives.
“As I grew older, I realised that when someone offends you, and you choose to forgive them and pray for the grace to forgive, you free yourself from bitterness and hatred,” he said.
The Chief of Staff commended the Accra Friendship Club for fostering friendship and goodwill among members, noting that such initiatives help strengthen national unity.
He also conveyed the appreciation of President John Dramani Mahama to members of the club, many of whom are active in the private sector.
According to Mr. Debrah, the President remains committed to harnessing the talents and resources of Ghanaians to transform the country into a major manufacturing hub and industrial centre in West Africa.
Mr. Debrah revealed that his participation in the event came after a particularly busy day.
He began the day with a health walk at the University of Ghana at 6 a.m., before travelling to Kumasi on an 11 a.m. flight to represent the President at the funeral of the sister of Kumasi-based preacher Ebenezer Adarkwa Yiadom of the Ebenezer Miracle Worship Centre, popularly known as Opambour or Prophet 1.
Later in the evening, he returned to Accra to represent the President at the Accra Friendship Club event held under the Ridge Underbridge, which was also attended by former President Kufuor.
Mr. Debrah expressed optimism about Ghana’s future as the country approaches its 70th anniversary of independence, urging citizens to remain hopeful.
“Continue to have hope in our country and remember that all hope is not lost,” he said, adding that Ghana will continue to serve as a beacon of hope in the years ahead.