News:
July 27, 2026
A former Supreme Court Judge, His Lordship Justice William Atuguba (rtd), has described the launch of a National Integrity Award Scheme as a deliberate national effort to place integrity at the centre of leadership, public service, and national development.
The event, held under the theme “Promoting Integrity, Celebrating Ethical Leadership and Inspiring National Development,” was presided over by the Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.
Justice Atuguba, who chairs the 13-member National Integrity Awards Committee, emphasized that integrity is the foundation upon which trust is built, and trust gives legitimacy to institutions of government, private enterprise, and civil society. “No nation can sustain development where integrity is weak. No country can flourish where ethical conduct is unbarred,” he stated.
The retired judge expressed regret that integrity was being “repealed from our national life” but noted that the scheme signals a turning point. “Today, much more than the unveiling of another national award programme, it signals a deliberate national effort to place integrity at the center of leadership, public service, business, civic engagement, and national development.”
Justice Atuguba acknowledged that the scheme, first announced by the Speaker on the Floor of Parliament in March 2025, “should have been done long ago.” He added, “But as the saying goes, better late than never.”
Recognising Whistleblowers and Ethical Conduct
The scheme will recognise and award individuals whose conduct demonstrates exceptional honesty, accountability, transparency, courage, and ethical leadership across the public, private, and civil society sectors. Justice Atuguba specifically highlighted whistleblowers, noting that the scheme will celebrate “individuals whose courage, selflessness and commitment to the public interest has failed in accountability, protected public resources or advanced ethical governance, often at considerable personal sacrifice.”
He stressed that the awards are “not about popularity, influence or status. It is about character, consistent ethical conduct over time, and actions that inspire confidence, advance the public good and worthy of emulation.”
Commitment to Credibility and Transparency
Justice Atuguba assured the public that the committee is fully committed to ensuring every stage of the process is conducted with professionalism, objectivity, impartiality, and transparency. “Public confidence in any awards programme depends on the integrity of its processes,” he said.
The scheme is a parliamentary-led initiative designed to promote ethical governance and restore public confidence in institutions. It also introduces a “Vulture Award” to expose and shame those who betray the public trust.
Call for National Participation
Justice Atuguba encouraged all Ghanaians to nominate deserving individuals whose conduct exemplifies the highest standards of integrity, and called on the media to partner in amplifying the message. “Beyond reporting on the awards, the media can help shape national attitudes by highlighting stories of ethical leadership and positive role models,” he said.
He concluded with a rallying call: “I invite every Ghanaian to become a partner in this national endeavour and to help make integrity the defining standard of our national life.”
The National Integrity Awards Scheme is expected to become an annual national event, institutionalising the recognition of ethical conduct in public and private life.
Dominic Shirimori/Ghanamps.com