Widely lauded for his commitment to democratic governance, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has called on Ghanaians to remain vigilant in protecting the nation’s democratic institutions. Speaking at the Democracy Dialogue 2025 on the theme “Why Democracies Fail,” Julius Debrah warned that democracies rarely collapse suddenly, describing their decline as a slow death “by a thousand cuts.”
Julius Debrah commended the media and civil society for their pivotal role in upholding democratic values and urged all stakeholders to unite against subtle threats that undermine governance and civic freedoms.
Under the same event, other speakers also shared insights and personal experiences regarding the challenges facing democracy in Ghana and Africa. Former Electoral Commission Chairperson Charlotte Osei revealed that political party supporters once surrounded her father’s house and threatened to burn it down due to decisions she made in her official capacity. She described the emotional toll, stating, “The cost was really on a very personal level. Attacks on my family, concerns about the safety of my children and my wider family.”
Former President John Dramani Mahama emphasized the importance of integrity in leadership, stating, “Democracy dies when citizens lose faith and leaders abandon integrity.”
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, highlighted the need for regional collaboration to uphold democratic norms across West Africa.
Organized by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, the event brought together policymakers, academics, and civil society leaders to examine challenges facing democracies and explore strategies to strengthen governance, institutions, and public trust.
Julius Blay JABS
