Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has praised President John Dramani Mahama for what he described as bold and courageous leadership in championing Ghana’s slavery resolution at the United Nations, saying Africa could find no better leader to take up the cause.
According to him, President Mahama’s successful push for the adoption of the resolution, which declares the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity, has once again placed Ghana at the centre of global advocacy for justice and reparations.
Mr. Debrah made the remarks on Sunday, March 29, 2026, when President Mahama returned home from the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where Ghana’s resolution was adopted by 123 member states.
The President arrived at the Accra International Airport to a warm reception by the Chief of Staff, Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, government officials and a large crowd of supporters.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Debrah said the overwhelming turnout was a reflection of national pride and appreciation for the President’s international achievement.
“Mr. President, if we had not controlled the numbers, I believe we couldn’t have stood it,” he stated.
He traced Ghana’s tradition of global leadership back to the country’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, noting that Ghana became the first Sub-Saharan African country to gain independence after leading Africa’s liberation struggle.
“Several years ago, our first president, Kwame Nkrumah, when he led the African liberation struggle, made Ghana proud, and we became the first Sub-Saharan African country to gain independence,” he said.
Mr. Debrah stressed that Ghana’s legacy of standing for African freedom and dignity continues today under President Mahama, whom he described as courageous, bold and wise.
“Several years down the line, when the entire African Union was looking for somebody courageous, bold, and wise to lead the charge, they found no one but our President, John Dramani Mahama,” he declared.
The Chief of Staff said the President’s decision to take Ghana’s position to the highest global platform was a major demonstration of leadership and commitment to justice.
He further noted that President Mahama’s ancestors and family would be proud of his accomplishment.
“Mr. President, your forebears will be so proud of you, and your late father, E.A Mahama, I believe will be very, very proud of you,” he added.
Mr. Debrah commended President Mahama for successfully executing what he called an important assignment on behalf of Ghana, Africa and the global African diaspora.
“And Ghana as a whole, we are very proud of you for leading the charge to the United Nations to call for the acknowledgement that slavery is the gravest crime against humanity and to call for reparations, an assignment you executed excellently,” he said.
He said the resolution marks a significant step in the international campaign for reparatory justice and historical accountability, describing it as a moment of national pride.
Mr. Debrah, speaking on behalf of the government and the Presidency, officially welcomed the President home and expressed gratitude for his efforts in raising Ghana’s image on the global stage.
“Mr. President, on behalf of the government, on behalf of the presidency, and on behalf of the good people of Ghana, we welcome you home, and we are so proud of you. Thank you for raising Ghana again,” he stated.
SOURCE: Mubarak Yakubu
