Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has shared reflections on the humble nature of the late former President John Evans Atta Mills, describing how humility defined both his leadership and personal character.
Speaking at a memorial lecture on July 22, 2025, Debrah highlighted how, despite becoming President, Professor Atta Mills remained deeply humble and consistently showed respect to his subordinates.
Recalling one moment which he believes truly defined Prof Mills’ humility, Debrah recounted how the late former president personally called him to offer both an explanation and words of comfort after he was turned down for a ministerial nomination.
He shared that he had been informed of his name being considered for nomination as Eastern Regional Minister—an announcement that filled him with great anticipation and excitement.
“Talking about his humility, let me share a personal experience with you. So, one day I got a call from Uncle Bebako Mensah who said, (in Fante dialect) ‘Julius, Prof wants to send you to the Eastern Region as Eastern Regional minister so, bring your CV’. Then I went to see Uncle Bebako with my CV,” he recalled.
Debrah shared that, to his disappointment, his name was omitted and he did not receive the appointment.
However, he later received a call from the late former President himself, offering an apology and explanation for the decision.
Debrah said that he felt humbled by the gesture, stating that he believed Prof Atta Mills owed him neither an apology nor an explanation for his decision-making.
“There was supposed to be an announcement on one particular day after the independence celebration so, I was so excited. I had dressed in my white dress, seated on my bed, and waiting for the announcement. Unfortunately, when the announcement came, my name was omitted. I felt very sad. Then to my surprise and amazement, if a president tells you he will do something for you, and for a reason or two, he’s not able to do it, I don’t think he owes you an apology,” he said.
Debrah added that, in Professor Mills’ explanation, he was told, in a touching manner that among all the nominees, he was the only one who would have truly understood the reasoning behind the decision hence, the reason why he was left off the list.
“One morning, my phone rang and when I picked it, it was Honorable Sam Atta Mills. I picked it and said Uncle Sam and he said ‘Julius, hold on for the president’ and I said yes, sir. Prof was like (in fante), ‘Julius, I have heard that the incident has really left you disturbed’ and I said, oh, but I’m managing. He said, ‘Julius, what happened was that of all the people that were nominated, you are the only who understands me better and that’s why I dropped your name’,” he added.
He concluded by expressing his admiration for the late President, eulogising him for his visionary leadership.
“Till date, I still think about it. Does a president owe an ordinary person like me an apology? That is the level of his humility. As destiny may have it, a few months down the line, President Mahama fulfilled the promise President Atta Mills gave me by making me the Eastern Regional Minister,” he remarked.
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