Accra: Mr. Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, has lauded the role of the media and civil society organisations (CSOs) in protecting Ghana’s 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,’ Mr. Debrah stated in his closing remarks at the end of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation’s Democracy Dialogue 2025 in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Debrah emphasized the importance of continuously strengthening the autonomy and capacity of electoral bodies, judiciaries, and anti-corruption agencies to shield them from political interference. He urged leaders to commit to respecting term limits, constitutional provisions, and the sanctity of fair elections, even when challenging.
He further highlighted the necessity of empowering the youth to understand and defend their democratic rights. ‘A vibrant, responsible, and fearless media is indispensable for holding power to account and fostering healthy public discourse,’ he noted.
Mr. Debrah underscored the importance of prioritizing national interest over partisan gains, echoing a point frequently made by President John Dramani Mahama, to foster an environment where differences are resolved through peaceful dialogue. He called for eternal vigilance in guarding democracies against subtle machinations that seek to undermine them, stressing that the future of the coming generations depends on it.
Amidst the challenges facing democracy in Africa, Mr. Debrah pointed out that Ghana remains an enduring example of democratic resilience and progress. He acknowledged that the journey has not been without its challenges, but Ghana’s unwavering commitment to constitutionalism, the peaceful transfer of power, and the rule of law has always prevailed.
The one-day event, officially hosted by President John Dramani Mahama, was themed ‘Why Democracies Die’. It was attended by key personalities, including former Presidents of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo, and Rev Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto.