Ghanaians have been urged not to let partisan politics break lifelong relationships, as such divisions threaten the unity and social cohesion needed for national development.
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, made the call while addressing members of the Accra Friendship Club at their Dinner and Awards Night held in Accra last Saturday, March 7, 2026.
He emphasised that strong and genuine relationships form the foundation of a stable society and urged citizens to cultivate bonds that transcend political and social differences.
According to Mr Debrah, the strength of any nation lies in the quality of interpersonal relationships among its people.
He noted that values such as mutual respect, forgiveness and understanding are essential in sustaining meaningful ties.
Speaking on the theme of relationships, he encouraged members of the club to value human connections while observing moral, social and functional boundaries in their interactions.
Mr Debrah said his participation in the event came after a particularly busy day of official engagements.
He began the day with a health walk at the University of Ghana at 6 a.m., after which he travelled to Kumasi to represent President John Dramani Mahama at the funeral of the sister of Kumasi-based prophet Ebenezer Adarkwa Yiadom of the Ebenezer Miracle Worship Centre, popularly known as “Opambour” or “Prophet 1”.
Later in the evening, he returned to Accra to represent the President at the Accra Friendship Club event held under the Ridge Underbridge.
The event was also attended by former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
“In life, whether in human relations, organisations, or in our pursuit of success, there are moral, social and functional boundaries that must be respected. When we build genuine relationships based on respect and affection, they can last a lifetime and shape our future in ways we may never imagine,” Mr Debrah said.
He lamented what he described as the growing partisan acrimony between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), warning that such divisions were gradually destroying otherwise healthy and meaningful relationships among Ghanaians.
To illustrate his point, Mr Debrah recounted his long-standing relationship with former President Kufuor, which dates back to his days as a student at Achimota School.
He explained that while he was a sixth-form student at the school, Mr Kufuor’s son, Kofi Kufuor, was his junior and he served as his “school father”, a role that involved guiding and looking after the younger student.
“At the time, sixth-form students had cubicles, and when juniors received provisions from their parents, they entrusted them to their school fathers for safekeeping. I was responsible for keeping Kofi Kufuor’s provisions,” he recalled.
Mr Debrah said he never imagined at the time that Mr Kufuor would one day become President of Ghana or that he himself would later serve as Chief of Staff.
However, he noted that the relationship he built with the Kufuor family opened doors for mentorship and encouragement, including occasional invitations to spend weekends at the former President’s residence near the Kotoka International Airport area.
“He would ask about my background, my parents and advise me to be a disciplined young man so that I could become a responsible person in the future. Today, the rest, as they say, is history,” he said.
Mr Debrah added that the experience demonstrated how relationships built on trust and respect could have a lasting impact on a person’s life.
He also urged members of the club to practise forgiveness in their relationships, explaining that harbouring anger and resentment ultimately harms the individual.
“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 commended the Accra Friendship Club for providing a platform that promotes friendship and goodwill, noting that such initiatives foster unity and hope for the future.
He also conveyed the congratulations and appreciation of President Mahama to members of the club, many of whom he said were active in the private sector, which plays a vital role in the country’s development.
According to him, the President remains committed to harnessing the talents and resources of Ghanaians to transform the country into a major manufacturing hub and a leading industrial centre in West Africa.
Mr Debrah expressed optimism about the country’s future as it approaches its 70th anniversary of independence.
“Continue to have hope in our country and remember that all hope is not lost,” he said, adding that Ghana would continue to serve as a beacon of hope in the years ahead.
