Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Alban Bagbin, has inaugurated a scholarship programme designed to equip Members of Parliament (MPs) and Parliamentary Service staff with advanced academic training aimed at enhancing governance, leadership, and policy-making skills.
The initiative, launched in partnership with NiBS University (Noble International Business School), will provide scholarships for doctoral programmes in areas such as leadership, governance, innovation, business administration, and public sector management. The scheme, valued at over $108,000, targets 20 beneficiaries who will receive financial support ranging from $1,399 to $7,599 per programme.
Speaking at the launch in Parliament House, the Speaker emphasized that knowledge and education are fundamental to effective leadership. “Empowered governance is not achieved through power alone; it is achieved through knowledge, reflection, and moral courage,” he said. He added that the success of Ghana’s democracy depends on the intellectual and professional growth of those serving in Parliament.
The scholarship programme, themed “Empowering Governance Through Advanced Scholarship,” is part of Speaker Bagbin’s vision to position Parliament as a centre of excellence in leadership and governance education in Africa. He highlighted the initiative’s potential to strengthen policy research, legislative analysis, and the bridge between academia and governance.
Professor Kwaku Atuahene-Gima, Founder and President of NiBS University, expressed his commitment to developing the capacity of MPs and parliamentary staff, noting that applicants must first have their forms endorsed by the Speaker. The programme also incorporates peer-to-peer learning to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among beneficiaries.
Speaker Bagbin noted that the scholarship would have a ripple effect across the nation, equipping MPs and staff with the skills to make informed decisions that benefit their constituents and the country as a whole. “Investment in knowledge and research is key to shaping policies that benefit citizens, and advanced scholarships can empower governance, leading to strong institutions, ethical leadership, and inclusive policies,” he said.
The programme has been welcomed by parliamentarians and staff, who view it as an opportunity to enhance professional skills and contribute meaningfully to national development.
