Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has commended the media and civil society organisations (CSOs) for their pivotal role in protecting and strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions.
Speaking at the closing session of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation’s Democracy Dialogue 2025 in Accra, Mr. Debrah highlighted the importance of civil society engagement, press freedom, and dialogue in sustaining democracy.
“We are proud of our vibrant civil society, our fiercely independent media, and our consistent effort to resolve political disputes through dialogue and judicial processes. This, we believe, is how a democracy not only survives but thrives,” he said.
Strengthening Institutions
The Chief of Staff stressed the need to continuously reinforce the autonomy of key state institutions—including electoral bodies, the judiciary, and anti-corruption agencies—ensuring they are shielded from political interference.
He also urged leaders to respect constitutional term limits, uphold electoral integrity, and place national interest above partisan considerations. “A vibrant, responsible, and fearless media is indispensable for holding power to account and fostering healthy public discourse,” he emphasized.
Youth and Democratic Vigilance
Mr. Debrah called for greater efforts to empower young people to understand and defend their democratic rights. He further underscored the importance of political actors prioritizing dialogue over conflict, echoing President John Dramani Mahama’s frequent call for leaders to put country above party.
“The call to action for this Democracy Dialogue is clear—we must be eternally vigilant. We must collectively guard our democracies against subtle machinations that seek to undermine them. Our collective future, the future of generations to come, depends on it,” he said.
Ghana as a Model of Resilience
Reflecting on Ghana’s democratic journey, Mr. Debrah noted that while challenges remain, the country stands as a model of resilience and progress on the continent.
“Our journey has not been without its bumps and trials, but our unwavering commitment to constitutionalism, the peaceful transfer of power, and the rule of law has always been seen as true,” he stated.
High-Level Participation
The one-day event, themed “Why Democracies Die,” was hosted by former President Mahama and attended by prominent leaders, including Nigeria’s former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo, as well as Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto.
