By Joseph Agrace Wiyorbie
Gwollu (UW/R), Dec. 18, GNA – The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) has sensitised youth groups and a selected basic schools in efforts to fight against corruption in the Sissala West District.
The sensitization was made during the commemoration of the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) held in Girls Model International Basic School and youth base in the Sissala West District.
The event sought to amplify the voices of the young people to demand responsible leadership, accountability, and renewed their fullest commitment to the fight against all forms of corruption practices
It also formed part of broader efforts to empower young people particularly school children to speak up publicly against wrong doing without fear and intimidation.
Mr Amadu Babia Mubaric, GACC Focal Person addressing the gathering noted that young people play significant roles in building a corruption free society and that “nurturing Ghana’s future begins with shaping the conscience of today’s youth”.
“We cannot achieve the future of the Ghana we want together when the conscience of our young people are not shaped to know corruption and how to effectively combat corruption,” he said.
He emphasized that nurturing the culture of Integrity and accountability among the youth was essential, as they represented the moral foundation on which Ghana’s future would be built.
He advised youth groups and the students to confidently report corruption, but to exercise some bit of discretion by keeping reports confidential to avoid retaliation.
Mr Mubaric advised them to report cases to institutions such as the Office of the Special Prosecutor, the police, CHRAJ, EOCO, and other trusted authorities.
He stressed that the annual observance of Anti-Corruption Day was served as a reminder for Ghanaians to review their fullest commitment to combating corruption which is a national canker eroding public trust, undermining development, weakened state institutions and destroying the country’s democracy.
Speaking on the theme: “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” he noted that the message aligned perfectly with the Coalition’s mandate in fighting against corruption.
He said GACC over the years had invested heavily in equipping young people with valves, knowledge, and the confidence necessary to promote integrity, transparency and accountability.
Mr Mubaric therefore encouraged the youth and the students to apply the 3Rs – Resist, Reject, and Report as practical steps to combating corruption.
He highlighted corruption and its manifestation including bribery, fraud, extortion, nepotism embezzlement, favouritism and conflict of interest as common forms of corrupt practices that needed to be nipped in the bud.
Mr Mubaric revealed that GACC engaged young people in 34 districts across 14 regions, reaching an estimated figure of 50,000 young people through engagement in tertiary institutions, Senior High Schools, faith-based organizations, youth groups and community groups.
He said the initiative had enhanced strategic social media campaign that deepened national engagement and meaningful public discussions on electoral integrity, vote-buying and election-related corruption.
“GACC in 2025 expanded its activities to 87 districts across all 16 regions, aimed at deepening public awareness of the harmful effects of corruption while promoting whistleblower Act, 2006 (Act 720), to ensure responsible citizenship, in integrity, accountability and transparency,” he said.
Madam Abdulai Fatatu, the Headmistress of Girls Model International School, encouraged the students to join the fight against corruption, urging them to be bold to expose corrupt practices, be it the school or in their homes.
She said, “Fighting corruption in Ghana cannot be left to a single institution or government, it should be all inclusive “.
Mr Nuhu Rafiq Takono, leader of the youth group expressed gratitude to GACC and partners for the education and pledged to share the message with others to help combat corruption in Ghana.
The students thanked GACC and partners for the initiative, describing it as eye-opening and empowerment that had helped them to understand their roles in fighting corruption.
The International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) is observed annually on 9th December, as a global call to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in the fight against corruption, under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).
The event activities was organised by Local Accountability Network (LAnet) in collaboration with the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition with support from the William and Flora Hewlett and the GIZ, the European Union funded PAIReD Programme.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Christian Akorlie