Chief of Staff, Dr. Julius Debrah, has stressed the need for governance to make a real difference in the lives of citizens, saying the true measure of good governance is the impact it has on the people.
He made the remarks when he officially opened the 7th Africa Public Sector Conference and Awards (APSCA 2026) in Accra on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the government and the people of Ghana.
Held under the theme “Governance 2030: Resilient Institutions for a Digital, Green and Secure Africa,” the conference brought together public sector leaders to share ideas, strengthen institutions and explore practical solutions to governance challenges across the continent.
Dr. Debrah said citizens experience government through the quality of public services they receive rather than policy documents or institutional structures.
He stressed that good policies must be supported by effective coordination, proper implementation and accountability to deliver the desired results.
According to him, Ghana’s Reset Agenda is focused on building a public service that is responsive, efficient and committed to meeting the needs of the people.
He noted that digital transformation, skills development, fiscal discipline and institutional accountability remain important priorities in making governance work for every Ghanaian.
The Chief of Staff also urged participating countries to commit to improving at least one public service that directly affects citizens.
He said simplifying processes, removing unnecessary delays, listening to citizens and setting clear service standards would help build public institutions that earn the trust of the people.
Dr. Debrah further highlighted the importance of resilient institutions, trusted digital systems, sustainable development and stronger cooperation among African countries in shaping the continent’s future.
He commended InstinctWave Group and its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Akin Naphtal, for sustaining the continental platform, while congratulating the nominees and award recipients for their dedication and excellence in public service.
He said the legacy of public officials should be measured not by the offices they occupy or conferences they attend, but by the lives they improve and the confidence they restore in public institutions.
Dr. Debrah called for a public service that delivers with competence, serves with humility and treats every citizen with dignity.
