By Michael Pepsin Avorgah
Denu (V/R), Dec. 20, GNA – Mama Hodzige II, the Director of the Ketu South Municipal Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has called on basic school pupils, to speak up against corruption and become active defenders of integrity in their communities.
She made the call during a sensitisation engagement with selected schools in the Ketu South Municipality to mark the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day.
The sensitisation exercise, organised under the global theme: “Uniting the Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” focused on empowering young people to recognise corruption early and take responsible action.
The Ghana News Agency (GNA) observed high enthusiasm among pupils and teachers, with learners actively engaging in discussions on honesty, fairness and civic responsibility.
Mama Hodzige said the future fight against corruption largely depended on how the present youth were educated and guided.
She said corruption often thrived because people remained silent when they witness wrongdoing.
She stressed that children must be bold enough to speak up when they observed dishonest acts in schools and communities.
She explained that pupils were being trained to resist, reject and report corruption, noting that acts such as examination malpractices, falsification of grades, bribery and favouritism undermined fairness and damaged trust in society.
Mama Hodzige cautioned pupils to use social media wisely, stressing that while digital platforms could spread falsehood and promote bad behaviour, they could also be used positively to promote accountability, transparency and good citizenship.
She encouraged the youth to show interest in decision-making processes, ask questions and hold duty bearers accountable, describing civic participation as a key tool in preventing corruption.
She reassured the pupils that the Whistleblowers Act, 2006 (Act 720) protected individuals who reported corrupt practices, urging them not to fear victimisation when standing for what was right.
Several pupils who interacted with the GNA said the programme had helped them to better understand corruption and its negative effects on development, poverty reduction and equality.
“We now know that corruption does not only affect adults; it affects our future too, and we also have a role to play,” some pupils said.
To promote active participation, pupils who correctly answered questions on corruption-related issues received pens and branded shirts.
The 2025 anti-corruption education programme was sponsored by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), with support from partners including GIZ, the European Union, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and the Ministry of Finance.
The sensitisation programme forms part of broader efforts to empower the youth to speak up, reject corruption and help shape a future built on integrity.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo