By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu
Kasseh, July 7, GNA – The Ada East District Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), in collaboration with Transparency International Ghana, has organised a public sensitisation programme to empower women to speak up against corruption and report corrupt practices without fear.
The programme, held at Kasseh in the Ada East District of the Greater Accra Region, brought together about 50 participants, including members of women’s groups, youth leaders, religious leaders and traditional authorities.
The engagement formed part of efforts to strengthen citizen participation in the fight against corruption and encourage women to play a leading role in promoting transparency, accountability and good governance within their communities.
Addressing the participants, Madam Faustina Blewusi, Ada East District Director of the NCCE, urged citizens to report all suspected acts of corruption to the appropriate state institutions.
She said corruption continued to undermine national development and deprive citizens of access to quality public services, stressing that everyone had a responsibility to help combat the menace.
Madam Blewusi assured participants that Ghana’s whistleblower protection laws safeguard the identities of individuals who report corruption.
She advised prospective whistleblowers not to disclose their intentions to suspects or third parties before making official reports, explaining that confidentiality was key to ensuring their safety and the success of investigations.
Speaking on the theme, “Voices of Change: Women Speak Up Against Corruption,” she encouraged women to use their voices to challenge injustice and expose corrupt practices in their homes, workplaces, markets, religious institutions and communities.
Mr Osei Bonsu, Project Assistant at Transparency International Ghana, said the organisation was implementing the Inclusive Service Delivery Africa Project in 12 districts across three regions of Ghana to promote accountability and improve public service delivery.
He encouraged participants not to remain silent or allow fear of victimisation to prevent them from reporting bribery, abuse of office, embezzlement, and other forms of corruption.
Mr Bonsu urged members of the public to use Transparency International Ghana’s free reporting channels if they were unable to visit the organisation’s offices in Accra, Kumasi or the Volta Region.
The programme also provided participants with the opportunity to share experiences, ask questions, and learn about available mechanisms for safely reporting corruption.
Participants pledged to become advocates against corruption in their communities and called for sustained public education to strengthen the fight against the canker.
The initiative forms part of the ongoing collaboration between the NCCE and Transparency International Ghana to promote integrity, accountability and citizen participation in governance.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Audrey Dekalu
Reporter: Opesika Tetteh Puplampu