Accra: The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, on Thursday, inaugurated a 13-member National Integrity Awards Committee, to promote integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct among Ghanaians. The committee is composed of diverse members, including religious leaders, anti-corruption institutions, government agencies, civil society organisations, and private sector representatives.
According to Ghana News Agency, Speaker Bagbin, who is the interim chairperson, stated during the inauguration at Parliament House that the Committee's establishment is a bold step towards promoting a culture of integrity in Ghana. The focus will be on recognising individuals and institutions that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to integrity and ethical conduct. The Speaker expressed hope that the Committee would fulfill its responsibilities to the expectations of all Ghanaians, stressing the importance of recognising and celebrating individuals who uphold integrity, ethics, and the rule of law.
Speaker Bagbin remarked, "We need to celebrate what is right and denounce what is wrong with equal vigor." He further emphasized that the committee's work would likely have a lasting impact on the country, inspiring present and future generations to uphold integrity as a core value.
The committee includes notable members such as Justice William Atuguba, a retired Supreme Court Judge; Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, Spokesperson of the National Chief Imam; Dr Mohammed Marzuq Abubakari, Personal Assistant to the National Chief Imam; Professor Akosua K. Darkwah, President of Network for Women's Rights in Ghana; Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II, President of the National House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anwiaso; and Nana Amponsah Dokua III, President of Queen Mothers' Platform (Ghana) and Paramount Queen Mother of the Osudoku Traditional Area.
Other members include Right Reverend Dr Lieutenant Colonel Bliss Divine Kofi Agbeko (RTD), Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana; Mrs Beauty Emefa Narteh, Executive Secretary of the Anti-Corruption Coalition; Madam Mary Awelana Addah, Executive Director of Transparency International Ghana; Mr Daniel Nii Korley Botchway, President of the National Union of Ghana Students; Nana Osei-Bonsu, Executive Director of the Private Enterprises Federation; and Mr Joseph Whittal, Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice.
The National Integrity Awards Scheme, as explained by the Speaker of Parliament, is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the ethical conduct of public officeholders and promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability.
