The Eminent African Global Integrity has held its conference and awards in Accra on 23rd April 2025.
The program dubbed “It is Time To Raise Men And Women Of Conscience In Africa” was held at the GNAT Hall in Accra. Prof Richard Kofi Asiedu who is the Executive Chairman of St. Andrews Group of Schools was the distinguished chairman for the program. Ghana Integrity Initiative’s Executive Director Mrs. Mary Awelana Addah was the Keynote speaker
Chairman’s Address
Prof. Richard Kofi Asiedu
The conference started with the Chairman’s address which was given by Prof Richard Kofi Asiedu.
His address centered on nurturing principles such as honesty and integrity that are essential for the development of a healthy society.
Contrary to the high standards that Nobles uphold, Prof. Asiedu said people with no standards often say “Adopt opportunities and do what is most advantageous to you. There are no principles worth dying for”. Identifying which way of life seem most convenient to such individuals he also added “These are their ways. Lying is sometimes necessary to accomplish important work world goals. If done for the right reasons, even lying or cheating is okay”.
On the positive note people of integrity were hailded by the Prof. He said of such men “But these men of conscience maintain that no matter how much money one makes, life is unsatisfactory without a strong sense of duty and character. The truth of a character is a willingness to stand by one’s principles no matter what price one has to pay. If one believes something is right, one must stand by it even if it means losing friends or missing out on profitable opportunities
Talking about the advantages of maintaining high levels of integrity the Chairman espoused further by saying “Universal ethical principles exist and should be applied under all circumstances with no exceptions. Integrity is more important than financial gains. Ladies and gentlemen, may I congratulate our legends for upholding the virtues of integrity, honesty and accountability in both their public and private lives, hoping they will continue to be a source of inspiration to their generation, both born and unborn”
Welcome Address
Dr. Dee Otibu Asare
Dr. Otibu Asare spoke about the main attributes of men and women with integrity. He opined many times, that men and women are often not only pressured to do what is bad, they are often also misunderstood and maligned on many occasions . He said men of integrity are “often misunderstood, maligned in many cases and sometimes made fun of by the larger public who see them as fools or not smart. But some of us know that men and women of integrity rule the world and have always stood out to be counted when it comes to integrity”.
For him, apart from the key attribute of a noble being integrity, a noble should be one who can be counted on and continuously exhibit integrity until one is no more. He said “You have to be responsible for both your successes and your failures”. He further stated that honesty to oneself is foremost of the hallmark of integrity. In view of this the Dr. addressed issues that could potentially expose one to corruption. He said “avoid situations where you will have a conflict of interest…if you are caught in something that prevents you from making completely honest decisions, get out…if your company pressurizes you to make unethical decisions, walk away”
The speaker quoted the popular axiom “everyone has a price” attributed to Sir Robert Walpole, a British prime minister of the 18th century which nicely sums up the fact that throughout history, loyalty has been traded for selfish gain. Dispelling that notion however, Dr. Asare stated that a man of integrity has no price because he prices himself above all other possessions. He further said, “living with integrity is easier than living with regrets”
Keynote Address
Mrs. Mary Awelana Addah
Mrs Addah first of all expressed appreciationa and gratitiude to such a noble conference and initiative. She said “Let me begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to the conveners for this timeless and momentous gathering. The Eminent African Global Integrity Initiative and the Ghanaian of Conscience, I think that is a mouthful”.
Speaking in support of Dr. Asare’s assertion that men and women of integrity are often shunned, Mrs Addah said “those who live by these values are those who are shunned, are those who are not appreciated, are those who people do not look up to, instead of looking up to us. So we commend you for this initiative, for putting together eminent citizens, and I see some of them here represented. And I’m very sure if it was for any other purpose, this hall would have been full.”
Speaking about the dangers of corruption and how practical she can be as a person, the speaker said “if we are judging ourselves, then it means we are putting in certain efforts to ensure that that is done. I speak to you not from a place of theory, because I am not a theorist. I do not possess a professorial, and I am not a PhD holder. So I don’t ground my subjects in theory. But I shall try to speak to you from one who has advocated and continues to engage in this struggle to promote good governance in Ghana. I have seen firsthand the deeply and deadly canker of corruption and the roots it has taken in our spaces.”
All speakers at the conference stressed on the negative impact corruption, dishonesty and lack of integrity had had on our society.
Question Time
A representative from Media General asks a question and adds his contribution to the conference
Presentation Of Awards
The awards were presented by Mrs. Mary Awelana, Executive Director of Ghana Integrity Initiative.
she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with Social Work. A Master’s Degree in Development Studies from the University of Ghana, and is pursuing other academic interests.
She has also earned certificates from prestigious institutions like the Robert Wagner Graduate School, New York University, the Danida Fellowship Center, and the United Nations in areas such as monitoring and evaluation, gender advocacy, governance, and anti-corruption. She joined Ghana Integrity Initiative in 2009 as a Senior Program and Research Officer and progressed to Program Manager in 2014, overseeing the entire organization’s projects and initiatives aimed at combating corruption and promoting good governance. In 2023, Mrs. Ada acted as Executive Director before her appointment to the top role.
Mr. Daniel Bediako, Acting CEO of Amanano Rural Bank PLC.
Founder of Ideal College, Madina
Benjamin Armstrong, CEO of Bidi Group Ltd.
REP. for PROF. Nana- Akyaa Yao, First female Paediatric Cardiologist.
REP. for Dr. Michael Deladem Kwashie.
Mr. Mensah Thompson
Bishop Dr. Samuel Nii – Noi Mensah, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the FGCIG
Mrs. Mary Awelana Addah
Dr. Nyaho Nyaho Tamaklo
REP For Media General Ghana.
Prof. Richard Kofi Asiedu
Members pose for a group photograph
Random Photographs
Video Snippets of The Conference and Awards
Dr. Nyaho Nyaho Tamaklo Tackles Corruption In Ghana
