Chief of Staff, Dr Julius Debrah has called on African leaders and policymakers to pursue economic growth and technological advancement without sacrificing the continent’s cultural identity, values, and sovereignty.
Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama at the opening of the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values in Accra on Wednesday, Dr. Debrah stressed that Africa’s development agenda must be firmly anchored in its traditions, beliefs, and aspirations.
He the parliamentarians, policymakers, traditional leaders, and delegates from across the continent, that Africa’s future would be determined not only by the level of its economic progress but also by the values it chooses to uphold.
“We meet at a consequential moment for our continent,” Dr. Debrah stated. “Across Africa, conversations about sovereignty, cultural identity, governance, and development are taking on renewed urgency.”
The conference, which focuses on strengthening family systems, protecting national sovereignty, and preserving African values, brought together leaders to discuss common challenges and opportunities facing the continent.
Dr. Debrah described the family as the bedrock of African society and a critical institution for passing on culture, social responsibility, and moral values from one generation to another.
According to him, African families continue to provide resilience and social support, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty and rapid social transformation.
He highlighted Ghana’s significance as host of the conference, citing the country’s historic role in Africa’s liberation struggle and the enduring vision of self-determination championed by Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
“The theme of this conference provides an opportunity for us to reflect on how we preserve our unique identity while responding to the demands of a rapidly changing world,” he said.
Touching on the issue of sovereignty, the Chief of Staff argued that true independence goes beyond political freedom and must be reflected in a nation’s capacity to meet the needs of its people.
“A sovereign nation must be capable of feeding its people, educating its children, protecting its vulnerable, and financing its own development priorities,” he emphasized.
Mr. Debrah urged African governments to strengthen domestic production, support local industries, expand regional trade, and reduce dependence on external actors in order to achieve meaningful economic independence.
While acknowledging the importance of international partnerships, he maintained that African countries must retain the right to determine their own social and cultural norms.
“Africa must remain open to cooperation and engagement with the world, but we must also preserve the right to define our own identity and values,” he noted.
He further argued that Africa’s long-standing beliefs regarding family life, parenthood, and community relations should continue to inform public policy and national development strategies.
The Chief of Staff also underscored the role of traditional authorities, faith-based organisations, and community elders in safeguarding Africa’s cultural heritage and strengthening social cohesion.
He called for increased investment in indigenous languages, cultural education, and the creative arts to ensure younger generations remain connected to their roots.
Addressing the challenges facing Africa’s youth, Mr. Debrah warned that unemployment and limited opportunities pose a far greater threat to the continent’s values than globalization or technological advancement.
“The greatest threat to African values is not technology or globalisation. It is hopelessness,” he declared.
He stressed that empowering young people through quality education, skills training, entrepreneurship, and job creation would reinforce their commitment to Africa’s future and cultural heritage.
Nonetheless, Dr. Debrah called for stronger institutions, visionary leadership, and collective action to build an Africa that is confident in its identity, secure in its values, and capable of determining its own destiny.
He expressed optimism that the deliberations and outcomes of the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values would contribute significantly to strengthening families, deepening sovereignty, and advancing sustainable development across the continent.
Source: Felix NYAABA//expressnewsghana.com