Speaker Launches Scholarship Scheme to Enhance Capacity of MPs and Parliamentary Staff

The Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Alban Bagbin, has launched a scholarship scheme aimed at equipping Members of Parliament (MPs) and Parliamentary Service staff with advanced academic training to strengthen their leadership and governance capabilities.

The initiative, created in partnership with Noble International Business School (NiBS University), will offer doctoral scholarships in leadership, governance, and innovation. It forms part of the Speaker’s broader vision to position Ghana’s Parliament as a leading centre for leadership and governance education in Africa.

Speaking at the launch on Monday at Parliament House, Mr. Bagbin underscored the importance of continuous learning in public service, stressing that “empowered governance is not achieved through power alone; it is achieved through knowledge, reflection, and moral courage.”

He said the sustainability of Ghana’s democracy depended largely on the intellectual strength of those who served in Parliament, adding that investing in the professional and academic development of MPs and staff was vital to building an institution that truly reflected the aspirations of the people.

Mr. Bagbin noted that ongoing training would enable MPs to keep pace with emerging issues and global best practices, ultimately improving their ability to represent constituents effectively and make informed decisions.

“Investment in knowledge and research is key to shaping policies that benefit citizens,” he said. “Advanced scholarships can empower governance, leading to strong institutions, ethical leadership, and inclusive policies. It’s a step towards a brighter future for all Ghanaians.”

The Speaker expressed optimism that the initiative would have a far-reaching impact, as beneficiaries apply their advanced skills to drive national transformation.

On June 18, 2025, NiBS University formally launched a $108,000 scholarship programme in the Speaker’s name to support the capacity development of MPs and Parliamentary Service staff.

Prof. Kwaku Atuahene-Gima, Founder and President of NiBS University, explained that the programme would support 20 beneficiaries, offering them enhanced skills for effective parliamentary work and personal development. He added that applicants must have their forms endorsed by the Speaker.

Key features of the scholarship include capacity building, collaborative partnerships between Parliament and NiBS to foster knowledge exchange, and peer-review components that encourage peer-to-peer learning.

Addressing MPs during proceedings on June 26, Mr. Bagbin announced that the Speaker’s Scholarship covered several graduate programmes, including a PhD in Business Administration, a Doctor of Business Leadership, and a Doctor of Public Sector Innovation and Leadership, with scholarship values ranging from $1,399 to $7,599.

He said the support from NiBS University would help promote lifelong learning among MPs and staff, strengthen policy research and legislative analysis, and narrow the gap between academia and governance.

The Speaker expressed gratitude to Prof. Atuahene-Gima and the university community for their generous contribution and urged MPs and staff to take advantage of the opportunity to enhance their leadership capabilities.

The scholarship scheme has been widely welcomed by MPs and parliamentary staff, who described it as a timely intervention that will boost professional growth, promote knowledge sharing, and improve decision-making within Parliament.