By Daniel Agbesi Latsu
Nkonya-Ntumda (O/R), Oct. 17, GNA – The Biakoye District Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Oti Region has organised a town hall meeting to empower women in the district on the rule of law and the fight against corruption.
Held on the theme: “Strengthen the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption”, the event brought together 70 women comprising market women, hairdressers, dressmakers, apprentices, and other female community members at Nkonya-Ntumda.
Addressing the gathering, Reverend Leonard Aglomasa, the District Director of NCCE, described corruption as the abuse of power or authority for personal gain, citing various forms including bribery, fraud, nepotism, favouritism, extortion, and tax evasion.
“These are practices that are killing us as a people,” he stated, emphasising the need for civic awareness and collective action to combat corruption.
Rev. Aglomasa said the initiative aimed to educate and empower women in the community to understand the importance of the rule of law and their role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance.
“The rule of law is foundational to any democratic society. It ensures laws are applied fairly and consistently and protects the rights of all citizens,” he noted.
Participants were educated on their legal rights and the avenues available to seek justice.
The Director underscored that knowledge is power, stating, “Empowerment begins with knowledge. When women understand their rights, they can stand up against injustices and demand accountability.”
He also explained how corruption disproportionately affected marginalised groups, particularly women, by limiting their access to resources, public services, and economic opportunities.
“Your voice is powerful. Speaking out against corruption can make a difference in your community,” he charged the women.
The event featured interactive sessions where participants shared personal experiences and proposed measures to improve transparency and accountability in their communities.
Many of the women commended the NCCE and its partners for the initiative and called for similar programmes to be extended to include men and workplace settings.
Mr. Larry Doe Klatsi, the District Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), also addressed the gathering and outlined key legal frameworks available to protect women and encourage the reporting of corruption.
He referenced the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, the Domestic Violence Act (Act 732), the Criminal Offences Act (Act 29), the Public Procurement Act (Act 663), the Whistleblower Act (Act 720), the Labour Act (Act 651), and the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP) as tools women can rely on to seek justice and report corrupt acts.
Mr. Klatsi emphasised the need for continued public education and awareness of these laws, and called for stronger collaboration between government institutions and civil society organizations to support women who face corruption-related challenges.
Nana Akrasi Boahema Ampem II, Queenmother of Nkonya-Ntumda, in a closing remark, expressed appreciation to the NCCE and stakeholders for the initiative, stating that corruption remains a major hindrance to national development.
She called for the replication of such engagements in other communities and workplaces to create a united front in the fight against corruption.
The project is being commissioned by BMZ, SECO, co-funded by the European Union (EU) and being implemented in partnership with the GIZ.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/George-Ramsey Benamba