By Kamal Ahmed
Somanya(E/R), May 22, GNA – In a bid to improve community accountability and curb corruption, Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), local chapter of Transparency International Ghana, has organized a two-day training workshop for citizen groups in the Yilo Krobo Municipality.
Held in Somanya, Eastern Region, the workshop aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016, empowering them with the knowledge to drive transparency in governance.
The programme was a collaborative effort involving the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, and the GII, with financial support from the European Union.
It brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including traditional authorities, persons with disabilities, women’s and youth groups, assembly management staff, and representatives from community organizations.
Mr. Jacob Tetteh Ahuno, Programmes and Research Officer at GII, noted that empowering local communities with financial and legal literacy was a critical step in the fight against corruption.
He highlighted the importance of public awareness and collective grassroots action in sustaining accountability and ensuring proper governance.
With this training, community leaders and citizens would be better equipped to monitor financial practices and demand transparency, reinforcing Ghana’s broader anti-corruption efforts.
“Citizens must be proactive in identifying corruption and holding leaders accountable. This requires a strong understanding of financial management laws and community involvement,” Mr. Ahunu said.
He encouraged the participants to lead sensitization efforts in their respective communities. They should target schools, religious institutions, and marketplaces.
Themed “Citizens Anti-Corruption Training,” the workshop was part of the “Strengthening Accountability, Rule of Law, and Institutional Responsiveness in Ghana,” project.
In addition to community representatives, the workshop welcomed participants from various institutions, including the Local Council of Churches and the National Commission for Civic Education.
Others were the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, the Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association, media professionals, and civil society organizations.
Attendees engaged in in-depth discussions on practical strategies to detect and report corrupt activities. They shared their own experiences and best practices in local anti-corruption efforts.
The interactive format encouraged open dialogue and collaboration and fostered a strong sense of collective responsibility in the fight against corruption.
Several participants expressed their appreciation for the knowledge gained and pledged to actively promote transparency within their communities.
They emphasized the critical role of grassroots initiatives in combating corruption and committed to utilizing the skills acquired to drive meaningful change.
Mr. Ahuno reaffirmed GII dedication to supporting local anti-corruption efforts and urged community members to remain vigilant and proactive in holding institutions accountable.
GNA
Edited by D.I. Laary/Chriatian Akorlie