BY Nadia Ntiamoah
In a bold move to boost intellectual capacity and institutional efficiency within Ghana’s legislature, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has announced the rollout of a new scholarship scheme tailored for Members of Parliament (MPs) and Parliamentary Service staff.
The initiative, titled the “Speaker’s Scholarship for Parliamentarians and Parliamentary Staff”, is being sponsored by NiBS University, a private higher education institution.
Making the announcement on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, Speaker Bagbin disclosed that the scholarship programme was introduced by NiBS University in honour of his transformational and visionary leadership in democratic governance and institutional development.
The university recognised the Speaker’s efforts in strengthening Parliament and fostering academic and professional development in public service.
Scope of the Scholarship
The scholarship covers a range of graduate and postgraduate degree programmes, all with significant monetary value.
These include:
PhD in Business Administration – valued at $7,599
Doctor of Business Leadership – $6,999
Doctor of Public Sector Innovation and Leadership – $5,599
Various Master’s Degree Programmes – each worth $1,399
According to the Speaker, these offerings are aimed at promoting lifelong learning and professional excellence among lawmakers and support staff.
He emphasised that such academic advancement will help bridge the gap between academia and governance, enabling MPs and staff to conduct more effective policy research, legislative drafting, and oversight functions.
Legislators Urged to Embrace Learning
Speaker Bagbin urged all MPs and Parliamentary Service employees to seize the opportunity and pursue the advanced studies made available through the scholarship.
He stated that acquiring new qualifications in governance, innovation, and leadership is not only beneficial to the individual but crucial to the effectiveness of Parliament as a whole.
“This initiative offers us the rare opportunity to enhance our skills and broaden our perspectives,” the Speaker said.
“It will help Parliament meet the rising expectations of the Ghanaian people and contribute to the democratic and socio-economic transformation of our country.”
Bipartisan Commendation
Members from both the Majority and Minority caucuses rose to applaud the Speaker for his leadership and foresight in facilitating this capacity-building initiative.
The MPs noted that the scholarship scheme reflects a broader effort to elevate the role of Parliament beyond legislation, positioning lawmakers as thought leaders and innovators in public administration.
The announcement comes at a time when there is increasing public demand for more efficient, transparent, and well-informed governance.
Many observers see this scholarship programme as a strategic move to retool Ghana’s legislative arm for a modern democracy, particularly as Parliament grapples with complex national challenges in areas like economic recovery, education, digital governance, and security.
About NiBS University
NiBS University is known for its emphasis on leadership development, innovation, and business-oriented postgraduate programmes.
Its partnership with the Parliament of Ghana represents a first-of-its-kind academic collaboration, merging the demands of governance with the rigours of scholarly advancement.
The “Speaker’s Scholarship” programme is expected to commence later this year, with application details and eligibility criteria to be announced formally by the Parliamentary Service and the university in the coming weeks.
