By Yussif Ibrahim, GNA
Manso Nkwanta (Ash), Dec. 15, GNA – The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) has taken its 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) campaign to selected basic and senior high schools in the Amansie West District, sensitising students to resist, reject and report corruption.
Held under the theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption, Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” the Coalition visited Manso Nkwanta D/A JHS, Manso Nkwanta Methodist JHS and Mansoman Senior High School.
More than 1,600 students participated in the sensitisation sessions.
Madam Beauty Emefa Narteh, the Executive Secretary of GACC, in an address read on her behalf, said Ghana’s participation in the 2025 IACD underscored the country’s collective commitment to fighting corruption, which she described as a major drain on public resources and a threat to institutional integrity.
She noted that corruption weakened institutions, deepened inequality and eroded public trust, adding that, its effects were felt most by young people whose opportunities were curtailed when systems meant to serve them were compromised.
“Every loss through corruption is a missed opportunity for better schools, improved healthcare, stronger infrastructure and decent jobs,” she stated.
Madam Narteh disclosed that the activities were supported by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the GIZ/EU-funded PAIRed Programme.
She urged the youth to commit to the three key principles of anti-corruption advocacy – Resist, Reject and Report corruption and to serve as defenders of integrity in their communities.
Facilitators later took the students through presentations on the significance of International Anti-Corruption Day, which has been observed annually on December 9 since the adoption of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in 2003.
The sessions focused on whistleblowing, the Whistleblower Act, 2006 (Act 720), the Witness Protection Act, 2018 (Act 975), and the critical role of the youth in curbing corruption.
They were educated on common forms of corruption, including bribery, embezzlement, fraud, favouritism, extortion, nepotism, conflict of interest and abuse of discretion.
Discussions further highlighted how corruption affects young people through underfunded schools, limited job opportunities and restricted access to healthcare, all of which hinder personal development and participation in decision-making.
The students were encouraged to speak up against wrongdoing, use social media responsibly to promote integrity, and actively participate in responsible decision-making processeand5
They should move away from the normalisation of corruption and instead embrace the culture of resisting, rejecting and reporting it.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Christian Akorlie