By Gilbert Azeem Tiroog, GNA
Kongo (U/E), May 20, GNA – The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has advised Senior High School students to reject corruption, uphold integrity and promote accountability in their school and communities to help strengthen democratic governance and national development.
Mr Joachim Elbazer, the Nabdam District Director of the NCCE, gave the advice when he addressed students of the Kongo SHS during a sensitisation programme, which formed part of the Commission’s constitutional mandate to promote civic awareness and responsible citizenship among the youth.
The engagement, organised by the Commission under the Participation, Accountability and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) Programme, brought together members of the school’s Civic Education Club (CEC) and students to discuss issues relating to the rule of law and ethical leadership.
The programme, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is co-financed by the European Union and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and implemented by GIZ and the Ministry of Finance.
He explained that strengthening civic knowledge among students was essential to building a generation of responsible citizens capable of contributing positively to national development.
According to him, ethical leadership, accountability and transparency remained key pillars for sustaining democracy and restoring public confidence in institutions.
“The two things that make a country better for everyone are simple: the rule of law and zero tolerance for corruption,” he said.
Mr Elbazer noted that although the country had laws and institutions aimed at promoting accountability, many young people still had limited understanding of ethical governance principles and accountability mechanisms.
He said the engagement was therefore designed to encourage students to appreciate the values of integrity, fairness, discipline and responsibility in both leadership and decision-making processes.
Citing Article One of the 1992 Constitution, he reminded the students that sovereignty resided in the people of Ghana and stressed the need for citizens to respect and protect the laws of the country.
The District Director advised students to avoid examination malpractices, reject bribery and desist from acts of violence and mob justice, noting that such behaviours undermined discipline, fairness and national progress.
Ms Patricia A. Ayichuru, the Nabdam District Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), who sensitised the students on the concepts of the rule of law, conflict of interest and influence peddling urged them to be law abiding citizens.
Ms Ayichuru cautioned the students against influence peddling, warning that such practices weakened public trust and undermined confidence in institutions and underscored the need for young people to uphold honesty, fairness and accountability in all aspects of life.
The CHRAJ Director encouraged the students to become ambassadors of integrity by promoting ethical conduct and respect for rules and regulations both in school and within their communities.
Ms Cynthia Atiah, a “Government” student at the school, expressed gratitude to the organisers for the educational engagement.
She said the programme had broadened their understanding of civic responsibility and the importance of accountability and ethical leadership.
Ms Atiah noted that the knowledge gained from the engagement would help the students make informed and responsible decisions in the future.
“We have learnt the importance of discipline, honesty and respecting the law, and this will help us chart a better future for ourselves,” she said.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Kenneth Odeng Adade
May 20, 2026
Reporter; Gilbert Azeem Tiroog