The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Bagbin has announced the introduction of a ”National Integrity Award Scheme’ to encourage ethical conduct, accountability, and transparency in Ghana.
Speaking in Parliament, the Speaker described the initiative as a crucial measure to inspire a culture of truthfulness, where selfless service and moral values take precedence over personal gain.
“This annual award will honor individuals who demonstrate unwavering honesty, ethical leadership, and a commitment to the public good. Our goal is to make probility not just an expectation but a celebrated virtue in Ghana,” he said.
Integrity as a pillar of democracy
Speaker Bagbin emphasized that integrity is fundamental to sustaining public trust in democratic institutions. He expressed concern over the erosion of ethical standards, which has fueled corruption and weakened governance.
“Corruption remains a deep-rooted challenge, reflecting a moral crisis in our society. As Parliament, we must lead by example—ensuring accountability, prudent financial oversight, and the protection of public resources,” he stated.
Speaking on Parliament’s commitment to fighting corruption, Bagbin pointed to the establishment of the ‘Anti-Corruption Department’ under the Legal Service and Governance Sub-division, as well as the strengthened ‘Audit Committee’ in the 8th and 9th Parliaments.
The National Integrity Award Scheme will be managed by an independent committee to ensure fairness and credibility. Nominees will be assessed based on merit, with categories designed to recognize outstanding ethical leadership across different sectors.
To sustain the initiative, the Awards Committee will collaborate with government agencies, private sector partners, civil society, and international donors. Regular reviews will ensure the scheme remains impactful and aligned with national integrity goals.
Through this initiative, Parliament aims to champion a nationwide movement for integrity, reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to good governance and accountability.
“This award is more than recognition—it is a call to action for every Ghanaian to uphold integrity in all spheres of life,” Speaker Bagbin declared.
By Osumanu Al-Hassan/thenewsbulletin24.com