Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has urged African leaders and policymakers to pursue development and progress without sacrificing the continent’s cultural identity, values, and sovereignty.
Africa’s development agenda, he said, must be firmly rooted in its traditions, beliefs, and aspirations,
Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama at the opening of the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values in Accra on Wednesday, he stressed that Africa’s future would be shaped not only by economic growth and technological advancement but also by the values it chooses to uphold.
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The Chief of Staff described the family as the foundation of African society and a vital institution for transmitting values, culture, and social responsibility across generations.
According to him, African families continue to serve as a source of resilience and social support, especially during periods of economic hardship and social change.
“We meet at a consequential moment for our continent,” he said. “Across Africa, conversations about sovereignty, cultural identity, governance, and development are taking on renewed urgency.”
Mr. Debrah noted that Ghana’s role as host of the conference was significant given its historic contribution to Africa’s liberation struggle and the vision of self-determination championed by Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
According to him, the conference theme, which focuses on family, sovereignty, and values, provides an opportunity for African nations to reflect on how to preserve their unique identity while navigating the demands of a rapidly changing world.
Mr. Debrah stressed the importance of sovereignty, arguing that it should be measured not only by political independence but also by a country’s ability to meet the needs of its citizens.
“A sovereign nation must be capable of feeding its people, educating its children, protecting its vulnerable, and financing its own development priorities,” he stated.
He called on African governments to strengthen domestic production, support local businesses, promote regional trade, and reduce dependency on external actors in order to achieve meaningful economic independence.
He maintained that while Africa remains open to international cooperation and engagement, the continent must retain the right to determine its own social and cultural identity and norms.
He argued that African societies have long-standing beliefs and traditions regarding family life, parenthood, and community relations, and these values must continue to inform public policy and national development strategies.
The Chief of Staff underscored the role of traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, and community elders in preserving Africa’s cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion.
He urged governments to invest in indigenous languages, cultural education, and creative industries to ensure that younger generations remain connected to their roots.
Touching on the challenges facing African youth, Mr. Debrah warned that unemployment and limited opportunities pose a greater threat to African values than globalisation or technological change.
He averred that empowering young people through quality education, skills development, and job creation would strengthen their commitment to the continent’s future and values.
“The greatest threat to African values is not technology or globalisation. It is hopelessness,” he remarked.
Mr. Debrah called for stronger institutions, effective leadership, and collective action to build an Africa that is confident in its identity, secure in its values, and capable of determining its own destiny.
He expressed confidence that the outcomes of the conference would contribute to strengthening families, deepening sovereignty, and advancing sustainable development across the continent.