President John Dramani Mahama has thrown his full support behind the newly launched National Integrity Awards, describing the initiative as a critical step toward strengthening Ghana’s public institutions through ethical leadership and integrity.
His message was delivered on his behalf by Presidential Legal Counsel Marietta Brew Appiah Oppong at the launch of the awards held at Parliament’s D.F. Annan Conference Centre under the auspices of Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.
Speaking at the ceremony chaired by former Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba, Madam Brew Appiah Oppong apologized for the President’s absence, explaining that he was attending other matters of state.
She said President Mahama fully supports the initiative and believes integrity and ethical leadership, rather than funding alone, are the foundation for strong public institutions and effective governance.
President Mahama Affirms Full Support for Initiative
Delivering the President’s remarks, Marietta Brew Appiah Oppong conveyed his appreciation to Speaker Alban Bagbin and all those behind the establishment of the National Integrity Awards.
“First of all, let me extend the sincerest apologies of His Excellency the President for not being able to attend today’s very important function. There were other equally important matters of state that have taken him away, but he’s asked me to inform you that this initiative has his full support.”
Presidential Legal Counsel Marietta Brew Appiah Oppong
She added that the President had directed her to express his gratitude to the Speaker and the organizing team. “He’s asked me to also extend his warmest appreciation to Mr Speaker and the team that have brought about this initiative.”
Integrity Identified as the Foundation of Strong Institutions
Madam Brew Appiah Oppong argued that integrity and ethical leadership are indispensable to building resilient public institutions. Referring to figures published by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, she said corruption continues to impose a heavy financial burden on the country.
“I read recently from the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition that we lose about three billion Cedis annually through corruption. What it means is that institutions of state, institutions of government, cannot be strengthened with money. What it means is that the first step to strengthening our institutions is integrity and ethical leadership.”
Presidential Legal Counsel Marietta Brew Appiah Oppong
According to her, public resources will continue to be wasted if ethical leadership is not firmly embedded in governance: “No matter how much money we pump into our institutions, without ethical leadership, all the money will be drained, all the money will be wasted.”
National Integrity Awards Seen as Timely Intervention
The Presidential Legal Counsel described the National Integrity Awards as a timely intervention capable of promoting accountability and responsible leadership across the public sector.
“And therefore, this initiative is an important step to strengthening our institutions and leading our nation onto the right path. Because without initiatives such as these, resources will be wasted, there’ll be corruption, there’ll be mismanagement, and we’ll see all our institutions again floundering.”
Presidential Legal Counsel Marietta Brew Appiah Oppong
Madam Brew Appiah Oppong outlined two major policy initiatives the Mahama administration is pursuing to strengthen integrity in public service. She announced that Cabinet has approved the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Action Plan, known as NECAP, which is intended to replace the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan that expired in 2024.
She said the new framework is expected to be submitted to Parliament soon. The Presidential Legal Counsel also highlighted the Code of Conduct for Public Officers Bill, which is currently before Parliament.
According to her, the proposed legislation will establish standards of conduct for public officials while imposing sanctions for breaches. She expressed confidence that Parliament would soon consider both initiatives.
Ethics Placed at the Centre of Leadership
Madam Brew Appiah Oppong said one of the defining features of the new action plan is the explicit inclusion of ethics alongside anti-corruption measures. She said the addition reflects government’s recognition that ethical leadership must underpin efforts to combat corruption and improve governance.
Concluding her address, the Presidential Legal Counsel reminded prospective nominators that integrity should be the central criterion in selecting award recipients. She recalled the earlier remarks by Chief Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie.
“Before I take my seat, let me remind all of us of the words of the Chief Justice when we are making our nominations for this initiative, for the awards. He says, integrity is about the willingness to pay the price for doing what is right.”
Presidential Legal Counsel Marietta Brew Appiah Oppong
She urged Ghanaians to look beyond outward appearances when nominating individuals for recognition. Madam Brew Appiah Oppong also congratulated the selection committee, which will be chaired by former Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba, expressing confidence in its ability to uphold the credibility of the awards.
She ended by congratulating Speaker Alban Bagbin and his team for initiating what she described as an important national programme to promote integrity and ethical leadership.
The launch of the National Integrity Awards adds another pillar to the government’s broader efforts to strengthen accountability, reinforce ethical leadership, and restore public confidence in Ghana’s institutions through recognition of individuals whose conduct exemplifies integrity in public life.
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