Integrity Must Define Ghana’s National Life — Justice Atuguba Launches National Integrity Awards

ustice William Atuguba, Chairman of the National Integrity Awards Committee, has called for integrity to become the defining standard of Ghana’s national life, stressing that ethical leadership is indispensable to building public trust, strengthening institutions, and sustaining national development.

Speaking at the official launch of the 2026 National Integrity Awards Scheme in Parliament on Monday, Justice Atuguba said no country could achieve or sustain meaningful development where integrity is weak and ethical conduct is compromised.

“Integrity is a foundation upon which trust is built, and trust gives legitimacy to institutions of government, private enterprise and civil society,” he stated.

He described the launch of the awards scheme as more than the introduction of another national honours programme, saying it represents a deliberate national effort to place integrity at the heart of leadership, public service, business, civic engagement and development.

Justice Atuguba acknowledged that such an initiative should have been established much earlier but said its introduction marks an important milestone in Ghana’s democratic and governance journey.

The National Integrity Awards Scheme, established under the leadership of the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, seeks to honour individuals whose conduct exemplifies exceptional honesty, accountability, transparency, courage and ethical leadership.

According to him, the awards will recognise outstanding individuals from the public and private sectors, civil society and other areas where ethical leadership has made a significant contribution to national progress.

Justice Atuguba assured the public that the awards process would be guided by the highest standards of professionalism, independence, objectivity and transparency to preserve public confidence in the scheme.
“Public confidence in any awards programme depends on the integrity of its processes,” he emphasized.

He explained that the awards are intended to celebrate individuals whose courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment to the public interest have strengthened accountability, safeguarded public resources and promoted ethical governance, often at considerable personal sacrifice.

Justice Atuguba also underscored the vital role of whistleblowers, noting that their actions have the potential to strengthen accountability systems and protect the national interest.

He clarified that the awards are not designed to reward popularity, influence or social standing but rather to recognise individuals whose consistent ethical conduct, strong character and commitment to the public good inspire confidence and strengthen national institutions.

Calling for nationwide participation, Justice Atuguba urged Ghanaians to nominate deserving individuals who exemplify the highest standards of integrity, saying the success of the initiative would depend on the active involvement of citizens.

“The success of this initiative will depend largely on broad national participation and the willingness of citizens to identify and celebrate individuals who serve as positive examples,” he said.

He further appealed to the media to partner with the National Integrity Awards Committee by promoting the values of integrity and highlighting individuals whose ethical conduct serves as an inspiration to society.

According to him, beyond reporting on the awards, the media has a critical role to play in shaping national attitudes by celebrating integrity, accountability and ethical leadership as essential pillars of Ghana’s development.