Accra, Ghana – June 9, 2025 — The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has reiterated his firm commitment to the national fight against corruption, calling for greater coordination among Ghana’s accountability institutions during a high-level engagement held in Parliament House on Monday.
The engagement, which brought together key accountability institutions under the leadership of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), marked the first personal participation of the Speaker since Parliament signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with these institutions in February 2024.
In his address, Speaker Bagbin praised the formation of the Key Accountability Institutions (KAI) Platform and emphasized its potential to reshape Ghana’s anti-corruption landscape. “This platform holds the power to transform how accountability is perceived in this country,” he said. “No single institution can fight corruption and crime alone. Collective action is key.”
The Speaker also disclosed Parliament’s readiness to play a leading role in this transformation through the establishment of a National Integrity Awards Scheme, which was officially announced on the floor of Parliament in March this year. The scheme, he explained, will honour individuals and institutions that demonstrate exemplary integrity and ethical leadership in public life.
“Parliament is the institution best placed to lead this national fight. We are not only watchdogs and lawmakers—we are the protectors of the public interest,” Speaker Bagbin stated. He noted that the scheme would also include a “Vulture Award” for individuals who exhibit the lowest levels of public integrity, emphasizing that both celebration of good conduct and sanctioning of wrongdoing are essential for national development.
Underscoring Parliament’s internal reforms, the Speaker highlighted the establishment of a Law and Governance Division and an Anti-Corruption Unit within the Parliamentary Service. These initiatives, led by seasoned legal experts including former CHRAJ personnel, are aimed at ensuring Parliament’s institutional capacity matches its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Speaker Bagbin also reflected on his long-standing dedication to the anti-corruption agenda, referencing his involvement in international forums and his early efforts to instill discipline and integrity, even during his school days. “This is not just a passion for me—it is a lifelong commitment,” he affirmed.
He further assured the participating institutions of Parliament’s unwavering support in shaping the integrity awards scheme. A multi-stakeholder committee will be constituted to oversee the process, including nomination, selection, and sustainability planning. The Speaker encouraged all institutions present to contribute ideas and expertise to ensure the success and credibility of the initiative.
The engagement also highlighted Parliament’s increasing role in advancing human rights, with the Speaker recalling Ghana’s leadership at the United Nations Human Rights Council, attributed in part to the parliamentary committee on human rights established under his watch.
As Ghana continues to grapple with systemic corruption and governance challenges, the Speaker’s call for unity, institutional coordination, and deliberate action sends a strong signal that Parliament is prepared to lead by example and act as the bulwark for national accountability.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
