Justice William Atuguba, Chairman of the National Integrity Awards Committee, has called for integrity to become a defining standard of Ghana’s national life, stressing that ethical leadership is essential to building public trust and sustaining national development.
No country, he said, could sustain meaningful development where integrity is weak or ethical conduct is undermined.
“Integrity is a foundation upon which trust is built, and trust gives legitimacy to institutions of government, private enterprise and civil society,” he said.
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Speaking at the official launch of the 2026 National Integrity Awards Scheme in Parliament on Monday, Justice Atuguba said integrity is the foundation upon which trust is built, adding that trust gives legitimacy to institutions of government, private enterprise and civil society.
According to him, the launch of the awards scheme goes beyond the introduction of another national awards programme, describing it as a deliberate effort to place integrity at the centre of leadership, public service, business, civic engagement and national development.
He acknowledged that an initiative of such importance should have been introduced earlier but said its establishment is a welcome national development.
The scheme, he noted, is established under the leadership of the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, to recognise individuals whose conduct demonstrates exceptional honesty, accountability, transparency, courage and ethical leadership.
Justice Atuguba said the awards would cover individuals in the public and private sectors, civil society and other fields where ethical leadership contributes to national progress.
Credibility
The Chairman said a key feature of the National Integrity Awards Scheme would be the commitment to credibility, independence and transparency throughout the selection process.
He assured the public that the committee would ensure that every stage of the awards process is conducted with professionalism, objectivity, impartiality and transparency.
“Public confidence in any awards programme depends on the integrity of its processes,” he said.
Justice Atuguba explained that the scheme would recognise individuals whose courage, selflessness and commitment to the public interest have helped to promote accountability, protect public resources or advance ethical governance, sometimes at considerable personal sacrifice.
He highlighted the role of whistleblowers, whose actions, he said, could contribute significantly to strengthening accountability and protecting the public interest.
The awards, he said, are not intended to celebrate popularity, influence or social status but focus on character, consistent ethical conduct over time and actions that inspire public confidence, advance institutions and promote the public good.
Call for nominations
Justice Atuguba urged Ghanaians to actively participate in the awards scheme by nominating individuals who demonstrate the highest standards of integrity.
According to him, the success of the initiative would depend largely on broad national participation and the willingness of citizens to identify and celebrate individuals who serve as positive examples.
He also called on the media to partner with the committee by promoting the values underpinning the scheme and highlighting examples of ethical leadership.
Beyond reporting on the awards, he said, the media could help shape national attitudes by drawing attention to individuals who demonstrate integrity and serve as positive role models.