The Chief of Staff, Honourable Dr. Julius Debrah has called for Africa’s historical responsibility to preserve its values, sovereignty and institutional identity while shaping a united future. Delivering his address on behalf of President Mahama, he described Ghana as a symbolic ground of African self determination.
Honourable Debrah recalled Ghana’s central role in Africa’s liberation history, referencing the legacy of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and the country’s early independence journey. He indicated that Ghana’s experience continues to represent confidence in African governance and the capacity of the continent to define its own destiny.
The Chief of Staff noted that the continent is currently engaged in renewed discussions on sovereignty, identity and development direction. He stressed that these debates are not abstract but essential to Africa’s long term political and social stability.
Honourable Debrah emphasised that Africa’s future will not depend solely on economic expansion or infrastructure growth. Instead, he argued that values, institutions and collective confidence will determine the continent’s trajectory in the coming decades.
He highlighted the importance of the conference theme, which focuses on parliamentary consensus and the African Charter on Family Values and Sovereignty. He explained that the family remains the foundation of African society, serving as the primary structure for value transmission and social resilience.
“There could hardly be a more fitting place for this conversation than Ghana, the historic gateway to African liberation, where Dr. Kwame Nkrumah boldly proclaimed that the African is capable of managing his own affairs. That declaration was not simply political, it was fundamental, it was a statement of confidence in Africa’s ability to govern itself, define itself and cut its own destiny.”
Honourable Dr. Julius Debrah
Honourable Debrah demonstrated that sovereignty must go beyond political declarations to show tangible national outcomes. He stated that citizens evaluate sovereignty through employment opportunities, quality education, functioning healthcare systems and reliable public services.
“A sovereign nation must be capable of feeding its people, educating its children, protecting its vulnerable, creating opportunities for its youth and financing its own development priorities. Across Africa, our citizens do not judge sovereignty by the speeches we make. They judge it by whether the lights stay on, whether jobs are available, whether schools educate, whether hospitals heal and whether government keeps its promises.”
Honourable Dr. Julius Debrah
Honourable Debrah also referenced the importance of traditional institutions in Ghana, noting the role of chiefs, queen mothers, faith leaders and elders in maintaining social cohesion. He stated that these institutions continue to support national stability amid rapid global change.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to advancing African unity under the leadership of President Mahama. He added that the conference represents an opportunity to strengthen continental cooperation on shared values and governance principles.
African Family And Youth Policy Drive Takes Centre Stage
The Chief of Staff, Honourable Dr. Julius Debrah stressed that cultural preservation in Africa requires deliberate policy action, youth empowerment and sustained economic reforms.
Honourable Debrah explained that protecting African identity demands investment in language development, creative industries and traditional institutions. He added that cultural confidence must be deliberately nurtured through education systems and national policies.
He further noted that African families are currently under pressure due to urbanisation, labour market shifts and rising living costs. He argued that governments must respond with targeted social protection systems and inclusive economic strategies.
The Chief of Staff emphasised that family stability is closely linked to economic opportunity. He stated that development policies must reduce hardship driven migration and strengthen household resilience.
“Family centered policies must therefore become a priority for governments. This means strengthening social protection programmes for vulnerable households, supporting maternal and child health, expanding opportunities for decent work and pursuing economic strategies that allow families to thrive together rather than forcing separation through hardship and migration.”
Honourable Dr. Julius Debrah
Honourable Debrah added that implementation is the most important test of governance and policy success. He indicated that written agreements and conference resolutions only gain meaning when translated into measurable national outcomes.
He also addressed the role of African youth in shaping the continent’s future, describing them as central to value preservation and innovation. He warned that hopelessness remains a greater threat than globalisation or technological change.
The Chief of Staff emphasised that youth empowerment depends on education quality, job creation and access to economic opportunities. He noted that young people who see possibility within their own countries become strong defenders of national values.
Honourable Debrah also called on African leaders to prioritise policies that expand dignity in work and strengthen economic inclusion. He stated that youth confidence is directly linked to national stability and social cohesion.
“The greatest threat to African values is not technological nor globalization; it is hopelessness: a young person who sees opportunity in their own country becomes less vulnerable to every form of disillusionment and becomes the strongest custodian of society’s values.”
Honourable Dr. Julius Debrah
He stated that while partnerships are important, Africa must retain full authority over its social and policy direction. Honourable Debrah added that the continent’s future depends on leadership discipline, stronger institutions and shared commitment to long term transformation. He urged delegates to leave the conference with renewed determination to build an Africa grounded in identity, confidence and self-determination.
READ ALSO: Mahama Positions Ghana as Africa’s Gateway to Global Investment
