By Solomon Gumah
Wulensi (N/R), Oct. 24, GNA – The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Nanumba South District of the Northern Region has organised a town hall meeting at Wulensi to sensitise women groups and other stakeholders on the need to actively participate in the fight against corruption.
The engagement, co-funded by the European Union and the German Development Cooperation, brought together about 45 participants from various community-based organisations, civil society groups, persons with disabilities, trade associations, and public institutions.
Representatives from the Youth Parliament, Campaign for Female Education, Ghana Education Service (GES), Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations, and staff of the District Assembly as well as dressmakers, hairdressers, and traders, took part in the forum.
Mr George Konlan, Nanumba South District Director of NCCE, Madam Matilda Ayombil, District Director of GES, and Mr Mutaru Mohammed, Presiding Member of the District Assembly and Speaker of the Youth Parliament, facilitated the discussions, which focused on two key topics: “Background of Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts” and “Role of women in the fight against corruption”.
Mr Konlan, speaking during the event, said corruption remained one of the major obstacles to the country’s sustainable development, emphasising that it continued to undermine job creation, erode incomes, and deepen poverty amongst citizens, especially women.
“Despite the country’s abundant resources, majority of Ghanaians remain impoverished due to rampant corruption over the years,” he said.
He outlined Ghana’s anti-corruption history, relevant legislations, and institutional frameworks and urged participants to reflect on their individual and collective responsibilities in combating corruption.
He said, “Citizens must support the government’s efforts to reduce the canker to its barest minimum to pave the way for accelerated development and prosperity for all.”
Madam Ayombil, speaking on the role of women in the response against corruption, described women as natural change agents with the ability to inspire, adapt, and multi-task in creating a better society.
She said, “Corruption is a fundamental cause of misery amongst women, and we must work towards changing that narrative. Women should ensure their children receive quality education and moral upbringing to become responsible citizens of integrity.”
She urged women to demand transparency and accountability in all spheres of life, adding that they must pursue knowledge, economic empowerment, and leadership roles to amplify their voices in governance and policy decision-making.
Feedback from participants showed that many women in the area faced limited support from their male counterparts, who often denied them educational and empowerment opportunities thereby restricting their participation in governance and development processes.
Mr Mutaru encouraged the participants to rise above such barriers by developing themselves and upholding virtues of morality and integrity.
“To be credible leaders, reject corrupt practices, withdraw from corrupt situations, and report such acts to the appropriate authorities,” he added.
Participants expressed appreciation to the NCCE for the sensitisation exercise and called for more of such engagements to further empower women to contribute effectively to the response against corruption and promote accountable governance.
GNA
Edited by Eric K. Amoh/Linda Asante Agyei