Chief of Staff advocates inclusive digital transformation rooted in African values, leadership
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has called for inclusive and ethical digital transformation grounded in African values and indigenous leadership.
He emphasised that digital advancement must be matched by investment in infrastructure, promotion of digital literacy and the creation of platforms where African voices shaped global narratives.
He also highlighted the importance of integrating traditional leadership with modern governance, addressing environmental challenges like illegal mining, tackling youth unemployment through agriculture and promoting inclusive digital transformation.
Event
He stated this in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Spokeperson for Government Communication, Shamima Muslim, at the official launch of the Executive Certificate in African Custodianship and Digital-Age Leadership programme at the Centre for African Studies, Leadership and Research, Knutsford University in Accra last Friday.
The five-week comprehensive leadership programme aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders —including chiefs, queen mothers, faith leaders and youth — who can bridge tradition and technology.
Described as a “leadership laboratory,” the programme will equip participants with the skills and values necessary to confront challenges like environmental degradation and digital exclusion.
It brought together traditional leaders, Imams, Sheikhs, pastors and other members of the clergy.
Some of the dignitaries included the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Knutsford University, John Kwamena Essel, the Saanahene of Eti Amanfrom, New Tafo Akyem, Okatakyie Nana Anim I, and the Kpone Katamanso Metropolitan Chief Imam, Alhaji Seidu Abdulai.
Commitment
Mr Debrah emphasised the role of traditional and faith-based leaders as well as the youth in nation-building under President John Dramani Mahama’s Resetting Ghana Agenda through the Black Star Experience, Feed Ghana, One Million Coders and Girls in ICT, aimed at equipping young Ghanaians with skills and opportunities for sustainable development.
He further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering the youth, preserving cultural heritage and embracing digital innovation.
Commending the Knutsford University for the programme, he called for collective responsibility from all stakeholders—chiefs, clergy, youth, and academia — to preserve Ghana’s heritage and co-create a future rooted in identity, innovation and integrity.
"The government, therefore, calls on all stakeholders who pass through this programme to apply the knowledge and tools they acquire to confront the present challenges that are eroding our heritage and undermining our national progress. Government cannot do this alone," he said.
New era
The Saanahene of Eti Amanfrom, New Tafo Akyem, Okatakyie Nana Anim I, described the event as more than ceremonial, stating “ it is symbolic of a new era, where ancestral wisdom meets modern innovation.”
He highlighted the importance of intergenerational dialogue, calling for traditional rulers, clergy, imams and youth to participate not just as attendees, but as pioneers of change.
Nana Anim I further stated that the programme aimed to promote cultural preservation, cross-cultural understanding, problem-solving, community engagement and intergenerational collaboration.
"Our target is to train five million within a space of five years. Hence, asking government to come on board to support such a wonderful training collaboration between the royal, clergy and Sheikhs' Alliance and the Knutsford University. Let this day mark the beginning of a new chapter," he said.
Core mission
Mr Essel said the leadership programme aligned with the university’s core mission—to help Africa rise to its rightful place in the global order.
The Knustford University Pro-Vice Chancellor praised the programme for uniting traditional leaders, faith-based authorities, youth, and opinion leaders in a collaborative “laboratory” to generate practical solutions rooted in both heritage and modern governance.
