Chief of Staff Julius Debrah delivered a powerful tribute to late former President John Evans Atta Mills and a heartfelt charge to Ghanaian youth at the 13th John E.A. Mills Anniversary Commemorative Lecture on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
Speaking as the chairman of the event, he made deep reflections and renewed calls for principled leadership.
Debrah described the late president as not just a national leader but as a moral compass whose legacy must inspire unity and patriotism beyond political divisions.
“President Mills was not only a leader—he was a conscience. His legacy must guide our next generation through the fog of partisanship into the light of national purpose,” he said during the lecture at the University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA).
Turning his attention to the youth, Debrah emphasised that true leadership is not defined by titles or loud ambitions, but by a lifelong commitment to service and integrity.
“To the youth: leadership is not a loud ambition; it is a quiet preparation. Be ready to serve with integrity, not just to lead with titles.”
He further challenged young Ghanaians to choose courage over comfort and prioritise service to the nation over personal gain.
“Ghana’s democracy will flourish when its young people choose courage over comfort, vision over vanity, and service over selfishness.”
The commemorative lecture, held in honour of the late President Mills’ enduring values of peace, humility, and selfless leadership, brought together political figures, academics, civil society leaders, and students — all united in reflecting on his life and the path forward for Ghana.
