By Yussif Ibrahim
Kumasi, Dec. 12, GNA – The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) has sensitised pupils of two basic schools in the Oforikrom Municipality as part of activities marking the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD).
“Uniting with Youth Against Corruption, Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” was the theme for the celebration which was held at Oforikrom M/A Primary Basic School A and Oforikrom M/A Primary B/KG School.
A total of 509 pupils and 22 teachers participated in the programme across the two schools, comprising 97 males and 92 females at Oforikrom M/A Basic A, and 166 males and 154 females at Oforikrom M/A Primary.
Madam Aba Oppong, Leader of the Local Accountability Network (LANet), in her remarks on behalf of the Executive Secretary of GACC, emphasised the urgent need for young people to take an active stance against corruption, which she described as a major drain on national resources and a threat to development and public trust.
“Every loss to corruption is a missed opportunity for better schools, improved healthcare, stronger infrastructure, and decent jobs,” she noted.
She said the impact of corruption was most severely felt by young people whose dreams and opportunities diminished when public systems failed.
Madam Oppong urged the pupils to commit to the Coalition’s three-pronged anti-corruption principle: Resist, Reject and Report corruption.
She acknowledged the support of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, as well as the GIZ-EU funded PAIRed Programme, in carrying out the national youth sensitisation activities across all 16 regions.
Other facilitators took the pupils through this year’s IACD theme and key anti-corruption laws, including the Whistleblower Act, 2006 (Act 720) and the Witness Protection Act, 2018 (Act 975).
The pupils were educated on various forms of corruption such as bribery, embezzlement, fraud, nepotism, extortion, favouritism, conflict of interest and abuse of discretion.
They were informed that whistleblowers are entitled to 10 per cent of recovered funds when the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) retrieves proceeds of corruption based on their reports.
Facilitators also highlighted the critical role of the youth in combating corruption, stressing how underfunded schools, unemployment, and limited access to healthcare, often the results of corruption, affected young people directly.
The pupils were encouraged to speak up, use social media responsibly, and actively participate in civic decision-making to help build a culture of integrity.
During the interactive session, some pupils raised concerns about examination malpractice, acknowledging it as a common form of corruption among school children.
They were advised to avoid such practices, which could jeopardise their future and contribute to a culture of dishonesty.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/ Christian Akorlie