By Benjamin Akoto
Wenchi (Bono), May 4, GNA – Mr. Francis Cudjoe, the Wenchi Municipal Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has stated that citizens’ demand for accountability from duty bearers remains a prerequisite in the nation’s fight against corruption.
He noted that despite existing legal and institutional frameworks, young people in particular have limited opportunities to engage with and demand accountability from public officials.
Mr. Cudjoe made these remarks during an interaction with students of Wenchi Methodist Senior High School as part of an educational campaign on corruption organized by the NCCE in the Bono Region.
The programme forms part of the implementation of the NCCE’s “Civic Engagement on the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption” project, co-funded by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the European Union (EU).
The two-year project seeks to empower young people with practical knowledge of the rule of law, civic rights, and legal frameworks such as the Whistleblower Act, while highlighting their role in promoting transparency and accountability.
Mr. Cudjoe emphasized that gaps in civic awareness underscore the need for intensified educational programmes to help young people better understand corruption, integrity, fairness, ethical leadership, and responsibility in decision-making.
“These values are essential for strengthening democratic governance and sustaining public trust in state institutions,” he stated.
Superintendent George Kwakye, the Wenchi District Police Commander, noted that fear of victimization discourages many people from reporting corrupt practices.
He urged students to be bold and take advantage of legal protections under the Whistleblower Act, Act 720, assuring them that the law guarantees the safety of individuals who report wrongdoing.
Supt. Kwakye identified several forms of corruption that could occur within the school environment, including examination malpractice, certificate forgery, and misappropriation of school and Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) funds.
Other examples include charging illegal admission fees, sexual misconduct and harassment, bullying, and the misuse of school resources.
He stressed that such acts constitute criminal offences and encouraged students to remain vigilant and report them to the appropriate authorities.
Mr. Emmanuel Sei, Registrar at the Wenchi office of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), noted that Ghana loses billions of dollars annually to corruption.
He explained that the campaign aims to raise awareness among students about the consequences of corruption on the nation’s socio-economic development and to encourage them to actively promote integrity in society.
“You are being equipped today with the knowledge required to understand the impact of corruption and contribute meaningfully to the fight against this canker,” Mr. Sei stated.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/Audrey Dekalu
Reporter: Benjamin Akoto
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