By Kingsley Mamore
Dambai (O/R), Dec. 11, GNA- The National Commission for Civil Education (NCCE) in Krachi East Municipality of the Oti Region, has joined the global community to mark the International Anti-Corruption Day to combat corruption.
The event, under the theme: “Uniting the Youth Against Corruption, Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity “, aims to raise awareness about corruption’s impact and promote transparency.
At a forum held in Asukkawkaw Senior High School (ASUSEC), Kparekpare Basic schools and Oti Senior High Technical School (OSTECH), the youth were empowered to take the lead in promoting accountability and good governance.
The event was part of the rule of law and fight against corruption project, supported by William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) by the European Union (EU) and funded by PAIReD Programme.
Participants learnt about the whistleblowers Act and other legal reporting mechanisms, equipping them to speak out against corruption.
Madam Elizabeth B. Wottuomo, a staff member of the NCCE in Krachi East, called on young people to strive for a society free from corruption.
She emphasised that transparency, responsibility, accountability, and openness are crucial for Ghana’s national development.
She urged the youth to embrace these values, highlighting their role in shaping the future of the nation.
Mr Bright Gyan, an investigator of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) office, took the students and teachers through the Whistle Blowers Act of 2006, Act 720.
Mr Gyan explained that corruption was damaging and was gradually collapsing the economy in all spheres and reiterated the need for all Ghanaians to join the crusade in the fight against the canker.
He asked the students to willingly report suspected corrupt cases and individuals to mandated institutions including, the Ghana Police Service, Attorney General, CHRAJ, Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and others for proper investigation and prosecutions.
He assured the students and public that the Whistle Blowers Act was meant to protect people who fought corruption from victimisation and added that reward packages had been established to reward whistle blowers.
Mrs Beauty Emefa Narteh, Executive Secretary of GACC, emphasized the importance of youth engagement in the fight against corruption. “When young people understand corruption and are equipped to challenge it, they become powerful agents of change”, She added.
She said the organisation will reach approximately 50,000 young people across 87 districts in Ghana’s 16 regions.
She explained that the activities will include interaction sessions in tertiary institutions, senior high schools, community members, and a social media campaign to amplify youth voices.
‘We call on parents, teachers, religious leaders and community authorities to support our youth as they stand up for integrity and justice,” she added.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah /Linda Asante Agyei