By Solomon Gumah, GNA
Salaga (S/R), Sept 10, GNA – The East Gonja Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Savannah Region has engaged some youth at Salaga on the rule of law and the fight against corruption as part of efforts to deepen accountability and good governance.
The event brought together more than 100 participants including youth groups, artisans, traders, commercial tricycle (“yellow yellow”) riders, head porters (kayayei), tailors, hairdressers, mechanics, traditional leaders, the media, security services amongst others.
It formed part of the Civic Engagements with Youth Groups on Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption initiative being implemented by the NCCE in partnership with GIZ and co-funded by the European Union.
Mr Abdul-Latif Iddrisu, East Gonja Municipal Director of NCCE, speaking during the event at Salaga, said it sought to raise awareness amongst young people on the value of human rights, the rule of law, and civic duties in their communities.
He said it was also to educate participants on reporting procedures and legal tools such as the Whistleblowers Act, while encouraging active participation in public oversight and accountability.
He said, “This activity is designed to help inform and raise awareness among young people about the fundamentals of the rule of law, what constitutes corruption, and to encourage the Municipality to build a culture of honesty, openness, and accountability.”
Mr Moses Ikumjon, East Gonja Municipal Director, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), together with other resource persons, facilitated discussions on topics including understanding corruption, the moralist and realist perspectives of corruption, the impact of corruption on development, the rule of law, and the Whistleblowers Act (Act 720).
He emphasized that the rule of law was the foundation of democracy emphasizing that no citizen including leaders was above the law.
He urged the youth to act as watchdogs in their communities by promoting integrity and using platforms such as social media to demand transparency and accountability.
He touched on the importance of the Whistleblowers Act in the fight against corruption and encouraged participants to report corrupt practices to the appropriate authorities including CHRAJ, Economic and Organised Crime Office, Office of the Special Prosecutor, the Police, and the National Intelligence Bureau.
At the end of the discussions, participants resolved to establish a youth advocacy platform dubbed: “Citizen Voice for Action” to collaborate with the NCCE and its partners in sustaining education on corruption and good governance at the community level.
They called for the strengthening of the Whistleblowers Act, insulating the judiciary from political influence, and enhancing public education to promote a culture of openness and accountability.
Some challenges highlighted during the engagement included inadequate resources to reach all communities in the district, fear of intimidation for whistleblowers, and political interference in criminal cases.
GNA
Edited by Eric K. Amoh/George-Ramsey Benamba