Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has announced plans to launch a National Integrity Awards Scheme, an initiative aimed at promoting ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability among public officeholders in Ghana.
The awards will recognize and reward individuals who uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in their respective fields. On the other hand, those who engage in unethical practices or tarnish the reputation of public institutions will be dishonoured with the “Vulture Awards.”
A Committee to Oversee the Selection Process
Speaking at the close of the First Meeting and First Session of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic in Accra, Speaker Bagbin emphasized the need for integrity in governance.
To ensure fairness and credibility, a committee comprising representatives from the clergy, academia, political groups, and civil society organizations will be established to assess and evaluate nominees for both awards.
“A country with men and women of integrity will contribute immensely to its quality and socio-economic advancement,” Speaker Bagbin stated, expressing optimism that the initiative would help restore public confidence in leadership and encourage public servants to uphold ethical standards.
A Nationwide Initiative to Combat Corruption
The Speaker assured that this initiative would not be limited to Parliament alone but would be extended to the entire nation, urging citizens to take an active role in promoting integrity and fighting corruption.
“This award scheme will not only apply to Parliament but will extend to the entire nation. A national committee will be established to assess and evaluate individuals based on their integrity and conduct,” he explained.
Reflecting on the decline of ethical values in governance, Speaker Bagbin lamented how public service, once a duty of honor, has now been overshadowed by financial interests. He called for a return to a culture where national interest outweighs personal gain.
As part of Parliament’s commitment to leading by example, he reiterated that the institution would champion integrity, transparency, and accountability to inspire socio-economic development and ensure a responsible and ethical governance system in Ghana.
