Chief of Staff Julius Debrah delivered a firm message to government officials, stressing the importance of discipline, accountability, and adherence to the rules of public service at the official launch of the Code of Conduct for presidential appointees.
Addressing a gathering of ministers and appointees during the launch, Mr. Debrah likened governance to the strict structure of a boarding school, where order is non-negotiable.
“An aspect of governance is like running a boarding school,” he stated. “There needs to be checks and balances, rules and regulations that tell you don’t walk around during prep hours. The same thing applies to what we do here.”
Urging appointees to take the Code of Conduct seriously, Mr. Debrah advised that the document should be treated with the same reverence as a religious text.
“I will encourage each and every one of you, once you get your copy, to study it just like you study your Bible, because there shall never be any excuse whatsoever when you cross the line.”
The Chief of Staff told a cautionary story to underscore the consequences of misconduct. With President Mahama present, he reminded appointees that even personal connections to the President would not shield anyone from accountability.
“Colleagues, the only time you will not be able to reach the president is when we are about removing you,” he warned. “I’ve heard some of you say, ‘He is my friend, I’ve been to his house.’ Trust me, even if you find your way through his driver or his ADC, the President will tell you, ‘As for this Julius, when the issue came up, I told him to wait but look—he’s already written the letter.’”
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah concluded his remarks with a hopeful yet sobering message: “I wish we are never going to have that bad experience of removing anyone. But don’t forget that ignorance is never an excuse. Do your best. Let’s make the President look good in the eyes of Ghanaians.”
Story by Freedom Lavoe.
