Ghana’s journey towards sustainable development must go beyond economic growth and physical infrastructure to include a deliberate renewal of the values, character and moral consciousness of its people, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has stated.
Addressing participants at the opening service of the 2026 National Development Conference (NADEC) organised by The Church of Pentecost at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, the Speaker stressed that Ghana’s development challenges are not only economic or technical but are also deeply connected to moral and ethical issues.
He said the theme of the conference, “Moral Vision and National Development,” was a timely call for the nation to reflect on the values that must underpin its development efforts and rebuild its moral foundation.
According to Rt. Hon. Bagbin, Ghana’s abundant natural resources and opportunities can only translate into meaningful progress when the country builds a society anchored on integrity, accountability and responsible citizenship.
He explained that history has shown that nations that achieve sustainable advancement are those that recognise the importance of moral vision in shaping their institutions, leadership and collective progress.
“Where vision is absent, resources are wasted; where integrity is lacking, institutions become weakened; and where character is absent, progress becomes difficult to sustain,” he noted.
The Speaker emphasised that laws and institutions, although important, cannot by themselves create a responsible and transformed society. He argued that lasting national transformation begins with the renewal of the human heart and mind.
He outlined measures introduced by Parliament under his leadership to strengthen accountability and transparency, including the establishment of a Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament, a framework for the declaration of interests, anti-corruption initiatives and capacity-building programmes for parliamentary staff.
Rt. Hon. Bagbin also highlighted the introduction of the National Integrity Awards Scheme in 2025, an initiative aimed at recognising individuals and institutions that demonstrate honesty, ethical leadership and commitment to accountability.
He commended The Church of Pentecost for convening the National Development Conference, describing it as an important platform for national reflection on values, spirituality and social responsibility.
The Speaker noted that while infrastructure remains important to national progress, the greatest asset Ghana can develop is the character of its people.
“The greatest infrastructure any country can build is not roads, buildings, or physical structures, but the character of its people,” he stated.
The 2026 National Development Conference has brought together leaders from government, traditional institutions, the Church, academia, the private sector and civil society to deliberate on practical and values-driven approaches to Ghana’s development challenges.
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