The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has launched a new scholarship scheme designed to provide Members of Parliament (MPs) and Parliamentary Service staff with advanced academic training to strengthen leadership and governance capacity.
The initiative, created in partnership with Noble International Business School (NiBS), will offer scholarships for doctoral programmes in leadership, governance, and innovation.
Speaking at the launch at Parliament House on Monday, the Speaker underscored the critical role of education in effective leadership. He remarked, “Empowered governance is not achieved through power alone; it is achieved through knowledge, reflection, and moral courage.”
Held under the theme “Empowering Governance Through Advanced Scholarship,” the initiative forms part of the Speaker’s broader vision to position Ghana’s Parliament as a leading institution for leadership and governance education on the African continent.
Mr. Bagbin stressed that the strength of Ghana’s democracy is anchored on the intellectual capacity of those who sustain it. “If we are to build a Parliament that reflects the aspirations of our people, we must invest in the intellectual and professional growth of those who serve,” he stated.
He further explained that continuous training is essential for MPs to stay abreast of global best practices, adding that scholarship beneficiaries would be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to represent their constituents effectively and make informed policy decisions.
“Investment in knowledge and research is key to shaping policies that benefit citizens. Advanced scholarship empowers governance, strengthens institutions, promotes ethical leadership, and supports inclusive policymaking. It is a step toward a brighter future for all Ghanaians,” he added.
The Speaker expressed confidence that the programme would have a positive ripple effect on national governance, with beneficiaries applying their advanced knowledge to drive transformation and improve the lives of Ghanaians.
On June 18, 2025, NiBS University launched a $108,000 scholarship programme in honour of the Speaker to support capacity development for MPs and Parliamentary Service staff. The Founder and President of NiBS, Professor Kwaku Atuahene-Gima, explained that the scholarship aims to enhance the skills of 20 beneficiaries, contributing to effective parliamentary work, democratic consolidation, and personal development. He noted that applicants must have their forms endorsed by the Speaker.
Key components of the scholarship include capacity building, collaborative partnerships between Parliament and NiBS, and peer-learning frameworks to encourage shared knowledge among MPs and staff.
Additionally, on June 26, Mr. Bagbin formally announced to MPs the establishment of the Speaker’s Scholarship, which provides opportunities to pursue graduate programmes such as:
- PhD in Business Administration
- Doctor of Business Leadership
- Doctor of Public Sector Innovation and Leadership
The scholarships offer financial support ranging from $1,399 to $7,599.
The Speaker emphasized that the initiative would promote lifelong learning, strengthen policy research and legislative analysis, and help bridge the gap between academic research and parliamentary practice.
He expressed gratitude to Prof. Atuahene-Gima and NiBS University for their commitment to capacity building and encouraged MPs and staff to take full advantage of the opportunity to sharpen their leadership competencies and enhance parliamentary performance.
The scholarship initiative has been widely welcomed by MPs and Parliamentary Service staff, who view it as a timely intervention to enhance their skills and contribute meaningfully to national development. They commended the Speaker and NiBS University for their dedication to promoting quality education and informed decision-making within Parliament.
Source: theghanareport
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
0 Comments