Chief of Staff Julius Debrah Calls for Ethical Boardroom Practices to Safeguard Ghana’s Development Agenda

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has urged boards of both public and private institutions to take ethical leadership seriously, saying weak boardroom practices can harm national development and slow down major projects.

He made the call during the National Boardroom Governance Summit held on October 14, 2025. The meeting brought together board chairs, chief executives, and governance experts to discuss how ethical conduct and transparency can improve performance in organizations.

Mr. Debrah said some institutions lose focus because their boards fail to provide proper oversight. According to him, the government’s efforts to reset the economy and attract investment depend greatly on how boards carry out their responsibilities.

“We cannot allow negligence or unethical behavior in boardrooms to block the progress we are working for,” he said. “When boards look away from wrongdoing, it weakens trust and creates waste.”

The event was organized by the Institute of Directors-Ghana (IoD-Gh) in collaboration with the Office of the Chief of Staff and some private partners. It focused on how ethical leadership can drive sustainable growth and accountability in the country’s governance systems.

Mr. Debrah also pointed out that recent reviews of state institutions have shown gaps in procurement and reporting. He described those findings as reminders that good governance should not only be about laws, but also about personal integrity and responsibility.

“Boards are not there for decoration,” he said. “They are supposed to guide management and protect the interest of the people.”

The event was well attended by senior government officials, board members, corporate leaders, and representatives from the private sector. It achieved its goal of highlighting the need for stronger ethical standards and responsible decision-making in Ghana’s boardrooms