The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, has launched the Speaker’s scholarship for parliamentarians and parliamentary service in partnership with the Noble International Business Scholarship University (NIBS).
The event was held under the theme “Empowering Governance Through Advanced Scholarship,” intended to portray the essence of the scholarship.
In his remarks, the Rt. Hon. Bagbin emphasized that the scholarship will promote lifelong learning for Members of Parliament and staff of the Parliamentary Service.
“This launch marks yet another significant milestone in our ongoing journey to strengthen Parliament as a cornerstone of Ghana’s democracy and to foster a culture of excellence, learning, and leadership.”
Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament
He emphasized that parliament, as the beating heart of democracy, thrives not merely on laws and debates but on the deeper foundations of knowledge, evidence, and wisdom.
He added that parliament is a forum where reason guides passion, truth informs decision, and collective insight shapes just governance, ensuring liberty and progress for all citizens.
“In an age of complexity, where technology, globalization, and policy challenges intersect, effective governance requires far more than political commitment. It requires a deep understanding and critical thinking and analytical skills grounded in scholarship.”
Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament
The Speaker emphasized that parliamentary work must be based in research and analysis to foster a deep understanding of critical issues of national importance.
He further noted that this will require continuous learning in order to broaden one’s knowledge base as a member of parliament to be able to contribute meaningfully to discussions.
“It is for this reason that I have consistently maintained that the strongest parliament is not the one that makes the loudest noise, but the one that lends and lends the most.”
Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament
He explained that the initiative will support stronger policy research and legislative analysis while also helping bridge the gap between academia and governance.
The Speaker added that the scholarship is expected to build a legacy of knowledge and impact, as advanced scholarship creates a link between ideas and informed decision-making at the national level.
Rt. Hon. Bagbin emphasized that a parliament that reads, reflects, researches, and reasons will always legislate with greater wisdom and clarity.
He further explained that by grounding decisions in knowledge and evidence, parliament will ensure that laws are fair, just, and forward-looking.
He noted that such a parliament oversees governance more effectively, holding institutions accountable while safeguarding democratic values.
He added that such a parliament will represent the people with responsibility and integrity, balancing diverse voices and interests.
He further emphasized that a thoughtful parliament strengthens trust, nurtures progress, and embodies the true spirit of democracy.
“The establishment of this scholarship, therefore, is not merely an academic gesture; it is a strategic investment in the future of governance in Ghana.”
Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament
The Rt. Hon. Bagbin emphasized that the inspiration for the initiative reflects his enduring conviction that knowledge is the most lasting and sustainable form of power.
He noted that knowledge empowers generations, strengthens institutions, and fuels progress, as it is the foundation upon which true leadership and resilient democracies are built.
The founder and CEO of the Nobel International Business School, Professor Kwaku Atuahene-Gima, said the institution is committed to ensuring that members of Parliament and Parliamentary Service staff fully benefit from the program’s opportunities.
“I want to assure you that the intention of my good self and the Noble International Business Scholarship University (NIBS) is to let this scholarship live beyond me. It will be for all speakers, not just within the few years that are over here.”
Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament
Several personalities, including the leadership of parliament, ministers of state, and members of the parliamentary service staff, were in attendance.
Rt. Hon. Bagbin therefore urged the members of parliament and the Parliament Service Staff to utilize the opportunity and enroll in the diverse programs on offer.
READ ALSO: ICEG Warns 2026 Budget Falls Short on Lasting Energy Sector Reforms
