Integrity key to building trust in institutions – Dr Assibey-Yeboah
Leaders of public institutions have been urged to view public service as a sacred responsibility aimed at protecting the public good, strengthening institutions, upholding justice, and improving the lives of citizens.
Speaking at the Osahene Excellence Lecture at the University of Education, Winneba, last Friday, a former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for New Juabeng South, Dr Mark Assibey-Yeboah, said public officials must not pursue personal interests but rather serve with integrity and accountability.
According to him, trust in public institutions begins to erode when leaders become disconnected from the ideals of public service.
The lecture, held on the theme: ‘Selfless Leadership and Public Service: Building Integrity, Trust, and Accountability’, was organised by the Effutu Traditional Council in collaboration with religious bodies.
The event honoured the Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
“Public office is temporary, but the consequences of leadership decisions can shape generations. That is why responsible leadership requires discipline, humility, transparency, and courage,” Dr Assibey-Yeboah said.
He said citizens did not expect speeches from public officials, but honesty, fairness and accountability, adding that they also expected leadership that genuinely understood their struggles and aspirations.
Dr Assibey-Yeboah underscored the importance of participatory democracy, stressing that democracy thrives when citizens actively engage institutions, demand accountability, contribute ideas, and participate responsibly in national development.
He also highlighted the role of tradition, culture and community in strengthening democracy, noting that no society could achieve sustainable development if it lost its sense of identity, values and communal responsibility.
“Modern development must never require the abandonment of cultural identity. Rather, genuine development must build upon the values, wisdom, discipline and social structures that communities have preserved across generations,” he said.
He noted that the relationship between Mr Afenyo-Markin, as Osahen of Effutu, and the people reflected the important link between traditional leadership and public service, and urged public servants to emulate his example in promoting democratic governance.
Dr Assibey-Yeboah further stressed the need for selfless leaders with integrity, warning that without integrity, leadership loses credibility, and once credibility is lost, public confidence in institutions begins to decline.
He added that courageous leadership was not reckless, but principled, and required the willingness to stand for what was right even when it attracted criticism or political cost.
He described Mr Afenyo-Markin’s parliamentary and national leadership journey as one marked by perseverance and professional achievement.
Addressing the youth, Dr Assibey-Yeboah urged them to embrace selfless and responsible leadership.
“Young people of Ghana, your generation stands at a defining moment in history. You are exposed daily to images of wealth, influence and success that often create the false impression that leadership is about visibility, status and personal gain.
“But true leadership is not measured by popularity. True leadership is measured by responsibility,” he said.
BY BENJAMIN ARCTON-TETTEY
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