Justice William Atuguba, a retired Supreme Court Judge, says the proposed National Integrity Awards Scheme will provide Ghana a clean slate to rewrite a new chapter of national life based on integrity, honesty and high ethical standards.

During the inauguration of a 13-member National Integrity Awards Committee, in Accra, Justice Atuguba stated that in view of the “poisoned nature” of Ghanaian society, the establishment of the integrity awards was fitting and appropriate.

The retired Supreme Court Judge was hopeful that the awards scheme would strengthen Ghana’s brand.

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, on Thursday, June 12 inaugurated the National Integrity Awards Committee at Parliament House in Accra.

The Committee is to promote integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct among Ghanaians.

The committee is made up of personalities from diverse backgrounds including religious leaders, anti-corruption institutions, government agencies, civil society organisations, and the private sector.

Speaker Bagbin, who is the interim chairperson, stated that the Committee’s establishment was a bold step towards promoting a culture of integrity in Ghana, with a focus on recognising individuals and institutions that had demonstrated exceptional commitment to integrity and ethical conduct.

The Speaker was hopeful that the Committee would perform its responsibilities to the expectation of all Ghanaians, emphasising the importance of recognising and celebrating individuals who have upheld 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.

“The committee’s work will likely have a lasting impact on the country, inspiring present and future generations to uphold integrity as a core value.”

Other members of the Committee are: 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, who doubles as Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anwiaso, and Nana Amponsah Dokua III, President of Queen Mothers’ Platform (Ghana), who doubles as Paramount Queen Mother of the Osudoku Traditional Area.

Other 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 Intergrity Awards Scheme, according to the Speaker of Parliament, is a strategic initiative to enhance the ethical conduct of public officeholders and promote good governance, transparency, and accountability.