Accra: Mr Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has launched a scholarship scheme aimed at equipping Members of Parliament (MPs) and Parliamentary Service staff with advanced academic training to enhance their leadership and governance skills.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative, in partnership with NiBS University, will provide scholarships for doctoral programmes in leadership, governance, and innovation. During the launch at Parliament House on Monday, the Speaker highlighted the importance of knowledge and education in leadership, stating that empowered governance is achieved through knowledge, reflection, and moral courage, not power alone.
The theme of the event, 'Empowering Governance Through Advanced Scholarship,' is part of the Speaker's vision to position Parliament as a leading institution for leadership and government education in Africa. The Speaker stressed that the success of Ghana's democracy depends on the quality of minds that sustain it. He emphasized the need to invest in the intellectual and professional growth of those serving in Parliament to reflect the aspirations of the people.
Mr Bagbin acknowledged the necessity of continuous capacity building and training for MPs to stay updated on key issues and best practices. He noted that beneficiaries would gain the skills, knowledge, and support needed to effectively represent their constituents and make informed decisions for the nation's benefit. Investment in knowledge and research, he asserted, is key to shaping policies that benefit citizens and empower governance.
The initiative is expected to positively impact the country's governance as scholarship beneficiaries apply their newfound knowledge to drive transformation and improve the lives of Ghanaians. On June 18, 2025, NiBS University launched a $108,000 scholarship programme in the Speaker's name to support MPs' and staff's capacity development.
Professor Kwaku Atuahene-Gima, the Founder and President of NiBS University, noted that the scholarship aims to enhance the skills of 20 beneficiaries for essential parliamentary work to uphold democracy and self-development. He advised that applicants must have their forms endorsed by the Speaker.
Key aspects of the scholarship include capacity building to enhance skills and knowledge of MPs and staff, a partnership collaboration between Parliament and the University to promote knowledge sharing and capacity development, and peer review to foster peer-to-peer learning among MPs and staff.
On June 26, Mr Bagbin announced to MPs the institution of the Speaker's Scholarship by NiBS University, emphasizing its role in promoting academic advancement and capacity building. He explained that the scholarship covers various graduate programmes, including a PhD in Business Administration and other leadership-focused degrees, with monetary values ranging from $1,399 to $7,599.
The Speaker expressed gratitude to Prof. Atuahene-Gima and the University for their generous offer, encouraging MPs and staff to take full advantage to enhance their leadership skills and meet the expectations of the Ghanaian people. The scholarship scheme has been warmly welcomed by parliamentarians and staff, who see it as an opportunity to enhance their skills and contribute to national development. They commended the Speaker and NiBS for their commitment to quality education that promotes knowledge sharing and informed decision-making.