Julius Debrah

Julius Debrah is a Ghanaian politician of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Chief of Staff to President John Dramani Mahama. He first held the post from 2015 to 2017 and returned to it on 7 January 2025. Before that he ran the Ghana Tourism Authority and served as a regional minister and Minister for Local Government.

Early life and education

He was born on 24 April 1966 and comes from Obomeng in the Kwahu area of the Eastern Region. He attended Mpraeso Secondary School and did his A levels at Achimota School from 1987 to 1989. At the University of Ghana he earned a BA in archaeology and sociology and a master's degree in archaeology, specialising in museums and heritage. On 25 July 2026 the university awarded him a PhD in museum and heritage studies, at a ceremony attended by President Mahama.

Suhum races

He stood for Parliament in Suhum three times and lost each time: to Ransford Agyapong in 2000, and to Frederick Opare-Ansah in 2004 and 2012. The 2012 race was the closest, decided by 388 votes.

Government

He was chief executive of the Ghana Tourism Authority from 2009 to January 2013. He then served briefly as Eastern Regional Minister, from February to March 2013, and as Greater Accra Regional Minister until March 2014. On 30 May 2014 he became Minister for Local Government and Rural Development.

Chief of Staff

President Mahama made him Chief of Staff on 15 February 2015, and he held the post until the NDC left office in January 2017. When Mahama won the December 2024 election, Debrah was again named Chief of Staff and took office on 7 January 2025. The job puts him in charge of running the Office of the President and coordinating ministers' work for the President.

Personal life

He is married with two children.