Bagbin to institute National Integrity Awards to promote ethical leadership

Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has announced plans to establish a “National Integrity Awards Scheme” as a strategic initiative to enhance the ethical conduct of public officeholders and promote good governance, transparency, and accountability in Ghana.

The proposed scheme will recognize and reward individuals who demonstrate ethical behaviour, professionalism, and the highest degree of integrity in their respective fields.

Conversely, those whose actions have brought disgrace and embarrassment to their institutions and the country will be dishonoured with the “Vulture Awards.”

Speaking after the First Meeting and First Session of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic in Accra over the weekend, Speaker Bagbin emphasized the critical role of integrity in governance.

He announced that a committee comprising representatives from the clergy, academia, political groups, and civil society organizations would be formed to assess and evaluate individuals for recognition.

According to the Speaker, the Integrity Awards would serve as a significant step toward fostering discipline and accountability within Ghana’s governance system.

He stressed that integrity is a fundamental principle of Ghanaian society and a cornerstone of democracy, essential for building public trust and confidence in state institutions.

“A country with men and women of integrity will contribute immensely to its quality and socio-economic advancement,” Speaker Bagbin stated. He expressed hope that the initiative would restore public confidence in leadership and ensure that public officeholders adhere to the highest ethical standards.

Furthermore, he was optimistic that the awards scheme would inspire a national movement among citizens to champion integrity, transparency, and the fight against corruption.

“This award scheme will not only apply to Parliament but will extend to the entire nation. A national committee, comprising members from the clergy, civil society, political groups, and business entities, will be established to assess and evaluate individuals based on their integrity and conduct,” he elaborated.

Reflecting on the current state of governance, the Speaker lamented the declining ethical standards in public office. He recalled experiences where public service was prioritized over financial incentives, contrasting them with the present culture where financial gains often take precedence over national interest.

Parliament, as an institution that mirrors society, will champion integrity, transparency, and accountability to inspire socio-economic development, he assured. Through this initiative, the Speaker aims to instill a renewed sense of responsibility among public officeholders and promote a culture of ethical leadership in Ghana.

Source: Ghana News Agency