Development without integrity will not build the Ghana we want – Julius Debrah

Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah has warned that Ghana’s development efforts could be undermined if the country fails to strengthen the moral values of its citizens.

According to him, investments in infrastructure and public services would have limited impact if the people responsible for managing them lacked integrity and engaged in corruption.

He was speaking as the special guest of honour at the coronation of the Sarkin Zabarma of Ashiaman.

Dr. Debrah used the occasion to commend the Church of Pentecost for engaging traditional leaders in efforts to strengthen the moral fabric of Ghanaian society.

“The fiber of every nation depends to a very large extent on the moral upbringing of the people in the society. If the moral fiber of the citizen is low, it stands to reason that things may get out of hand.”

He said the involvement of traditional authorities was important because their experience and knowledge of Ghanaian values could contribute to efforts to address the country’s moral challenges.

“And so for the Church of Pentecost, at a point in time in our national building pathway, decides that let’s bring our traditional leaders together so that we can tap from their wisdom to enable us to revisit the strong moral fiber of this country or to help build a better Ghana that we want.”

The Chief of Staff argued that the quality of leadership and public administration was just as important as physical development.

“Imagine all our roads were to be built, all our schools, hospitals were built, but the officials who are supposed to administer it do not have the right moral upbringing and decide to practice corrupt practices. What kind of society do you think we’ll be having?”

He therefore urged Ghanaians to place greater emphasis on character, culture and values rather than material wealth.

“And so today, as we gather here, let us all in unison remember that the Ghanaian system, the Ghanaian tradition, the Ghanaian culture requires that all is not about money but who we are.”

“That is what will help our nation to develop. And so on that note, God bless you all. God bless our nation, that we build a better Ghana for future generations,” he added.