From Chief of Staff to Doctor: Julius Debrah’s PhD is a Win for Lifelong Learning
President John Dramani Mahama has hailed his Chief of Staff, Dr. Julius Debrah, for earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Museum and Heritage Studies from the University of Ghana. The achievement, Mahama said, is a powerful testament to dedication, perseverance and the importance of lifelong learning.
Dr. Debrah received his doctorate during the University of Ghana School of Graduate Studies congregation held at the Great Hall on Saturday, July 25. President Mahama attended the ceremony as the special guest for the graduation of PhD candidates.
Addressing the gathering, President Mahama expressed delight at seeing his Chief of Staff among the graduating class. He noted that balancing the demands of public office with rigorous academic work was no small feat.
“I’m especially delighted to see my Chief of Staff among today’s graduating class, and I congratulate him together with every member of this distinguished cohort,” the President said.
How Did He Balance Campaigning and Research?
President Mahama revealed that Dr. Debrah remained committed to his doctoral studies even during the intense 2024 election campaign. He often stepped away from campaign activities to meet his academic supervisor or undertake research.
“We used to be on the campaign trail together, and he would run away and leave us and say, ‘Oh, I have to meet my supervisor,’” the President recalled.
He also shared a humorous story from one of Dr. Debrah’s archaeological field research trips in Nakpanduri in the North East Region. Local chiefs and residents mistook the research team for illegal miners.
“They were digging somewhere in Nakpanduri, and suddenly the chiefs and the villagers came out and confronted them. They thought they were doing galamsey,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.
What Does This Mean for Public Service?
President Mahama said Dr. Debrah’s academic success demonstrates that excellence in public service can go hand in hand with scholarly achievement.
“His achievement is a powerful reminder that learning is a lifelong pursuit and that public service and academic excellence are not mutually exclusive. They are indeed mutually reinforcing,” he stated.
In a light-hearted moment, the President joked that his Chief of Staff’s new academic credentials could make future discussions at the Presidency even more challenging.
“I suspect he may now begin reminding me that every argument requires stronger evidence and that every quotation deserves a proper citation. I shall therefore have to be very much more careful in future,” he remarked.
Could Mahama Pursue a PhD Himself?
The President admitted that witnessing the graduation briefly inspired him to consider pursuing a PhD himself. But memories of the demands of doctoral studies changed his mind.
“Looking around this distinguished gathering, I briefly entertained the thought of returning to pursue my own PhD. But memories of supervisors, endless revisions and the viva voce examinations quickly brought me back to reality,” he said.
What Is the Government’s Plan for Higher Education?
President Mahama reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening higher education, research and innovation. He stressed that sustained investment in education remains central to Ghana’s development agenda.
“Our responsibility as government is to create an environment in which talent can flourish. We will continue investing in higher education, research, innovation and digital infrastructure so that every Ghanaian with the ability and determination to pursue advanced learning will have the opportunity to do so,” he said.
Who Is Dr. Julius Debrah?
Before his appointment as Chief of Staff, Dr. Debrah served as Minister for Local Government and Rural Development between 2014 and 2015, and previously as Eastern and Greater Accra Regional Minister. His latest academic achievement adds another milestone to a distinguished career in public service, combining leadership in government with scholarship in museum and heritage studies.
This story is a clear signal: Ghana is building a culture where public servants lead by example, proving that education and innovation are the bedrock of national progress. For the diaspora watching, it is a reminder that Ghana’s leadership is committed to excellence, transparency and lifelong learning.
Photo: GhanaWeb