Julius Debrah, Ghana’s Chief of Staff, has underscored the importance of cultivating sincere and meaningful relationships as a foundation for national unity and development.
Speaking at the Accra Friendship Club’s Dinner and Awards Night in Accra, he cautioned that political hostility between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is gradually undermining healthy relationships among citizens.
Reflecting on his personal experiences, Mr Debrah shared his long-standing connection with former President John Agyekum Kufuor, which began during his school days at Achimota School. As a sixth-form student, he served as a “school father” to Mr Kufuor’s son, Kofi, safeguarding provisions entrusted to him by younger students.
“At the time, I never imagined that Mr Kufuor would eventually become President or that I would later become Chief of Staff. But the relationship I built with the Kufuor family opened doors for me, including gifts and occasional invitations to their residence,” he recalled.
He explained that the experience taught him the transformative power of relationships built on trust and respect, urging attendees to embrace forgiveness in their interactions.
“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.
Mr Debrah encouraged Ghanaians to value human connections while maintaining moral, social, and functional boundaries to foster meaningful and lasting bonds that strengthen society.
