By Kodjo Adams
Accra, Aug. 1, GNA – Bishop Stella Dartey, Chief Executive Officer of Graceland International School, called on leaders to uphold the highest standards of integrity to drive Africa’s progress.
She made the call at the 38th Annual Congress and Awards Night of the Eminent West Africa Nobles Forum (WANF) in Accra, held under the theme “Integrity, the Hallmark of a Successful Leader.”
“With integrity, Africa can rise, not as a continent trying to catch up, but as a beacon of enlightened leadership for the world,” she said.
Quoting Proverbs 29:2, Bishop Dartey stated, “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.”
She said the verse reflected the character of trustworthy leaders, emphasising self-control, honesty, and the rejection of corrupt practices, key issues confronting Ghana today.
Bishop Dartey said leadership integrity brought national joy and sanctity, while corruption led to public suffering.
She stressed that without integrity; no real success was possible, adding that leadership integrity was essentially crucial, because leaders do not merely guide institutions; they shaped destinies.
Bishop Dartey expressed concern about widespread ethical lapses, saying, “Across Africa, we are witnessing a society that yearns for ethical leadership.
“We have brilliant minds, rich cultures, abundant resources, and resilient people. But we have also seen how corruption, short-term thinking, and wanton disregard for the environment can cripple nations.
“To be sincere, we have seen roads that were never built, despite budgets that were allocated. Where is our integrity?” she asked.
“We have schools with no teaching and learning materials, such as textbooks, attendance registers, desks for students, or tables and chairs for teachers. We still have hospitals with no beds and youth with no jobs, despite endless promises.
“These are not merely policy failures; they are failures of integrity,” Dr. Dartey said, and warned that ethical lapses could collapse empires.
“Think of once glorious companies reduced to ashes because leaders chose shortcuts over standards,” she said.
Dr Dee Otibu-Asare, Executive Director of WANF, said the Forum, established in 2003, comprised over 3,000 eminent personalities across West Africa committed to promoting integrity, accountability, and socio-economic integration.
He announced the launch of the West Africa Centre for Nobility and Stewardship to train aspiring leaders in politics and other professions.
The Centre aims to instil honesty, integrity, and accountability in leadership.
The Forum also honoured 15 individuals for their professionalism, moral integrity, and contributions to their respective fields.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey