Accra: Justice William Atuguba, a retired Supreme Court Judge, expressed optimism that the proposed National Integrity Awards Scheme will provide Ghana with the opportunity to re-write a new chapter of national life, grounded in integrity, honesty, and high ethical standards. The announcement was made during the inauguration of a 13-member National Integrity Awards Committee, held in Accra, where Justice Atuguba highlighted the importance of such an initiative in the context of the 'poisoned nature' of Ghanaian society.
According to Ghana News Agency, the inauguration was spearheaded by Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who inaugurated the National Integrity Awards Committee at Parliament House in Accra. The primary aim of the committee is to promote integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct among Ghanaians. The committee comprises individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including religious leaders, anti-corruption institutions, government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
Speaker Bagbin, serving as the interim chairperson, emphasized that the establishment of the committee marks a bold step towards fostering a culture of integrity in Ghana. The focus will be on recognizing individuals and institutions that have shown exceptional commitment to integrity and ethical conduct. Bagbin expressed hope that the committee would fulfill its responsibilities to the expectations of all Ghanaians, underscoring the importance of celebrating individuals who uphold integrity, ethics, and the rule of law.
The Speaker remarked on the necessity of celebrating what is right and condemning what is wrong with equal vigor. He expressed confidence that the work of the committee would have a lasting impact on the nation, inspiring both present and future generations to embrace integrity as a core value.
The committee members include 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.
Additional members are 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 designed to enhance the ethical conduct of public officeholders and promote good governance, transparency, and accountability.
