By Kingsley Mamore
Nkonya (O/R), July 22, GNA– The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) has called on young people in the Biakoye District of the Oti Region to become active champions in the fight against corruption by promoting integrity, transparency and accountability in their schools, homes and communities.
The call was made during a youth sensitisation forum held at Nkonya Wurupong as part of activities marking the 2026 African Anti-Corruption Day and the 25th anniversary of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition.
The programme brought together 189 students, comprising 96 males and 93 females, from Wurupong R.C. JHS, Wurupong Presbyterian JHS and Wurupong Resettlement D/A JHS to deepen their understanding of corruption, its consequences and the vital role of young people in promoting ethical values and good governance.
Addressing the participants, Mr Larry Doe Klatsi, Biakoye District Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), said the youth remained central to Ghana’s anti-corruption agenda because they represented the country’s future leaders, professionals and decision-makers.
He noted that corruption continued to impede national development by diverting scarce public resources, weakening state institutions, eroding public confidence and denying citizens access to quality education, healthcare and other essential social services.
Mr Klatsi urged the students to reject all forms of dishonest behaviour, including examination malpractice, bribery, cheating, favouritism and abuse of authority, stressing that integrity must begin with personal choices and everyday conduct.
“Corruption undermines development and denies citizens access to essential services. We are therefore charging you, the youth of Biakoye, to resist, reject and report corrupt practices and to become ambassadors of integrity in your daily lives,” he said.
He encouraged the students to uphold honesty, fairness, accountability and respect for the rule of law, adding that building a corruption-free Ghana required citizens who were prepared to speak against wrongdoing regardless of who was involved.
The sensitisation forum provided participants with the opportunity to discuss the causes, forms and effects of corruption while exploring practical ways of promoting transparency and accountability in their schools and communities.
Facilitators led discussions on ethical leadership, abuse of office, conflict of interest, responsible citizenship, whistleblower protection, and the importance of adhering to the rule of law.
The students also participated in interactive question-and-answer sessions, where they shared experiences and proposed practical measures to discourage corrupt practices among their peers.
Officials from National Commission of Civic Education (NCCE), Madam Elizabeth Wottoumo, emphasised that combating corruption was a shared national responsibility requiring collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations, traditional authorities, educational institutions and citizens.
They encouraged the students to use lawful channels to report suspected acts of corruption and to promote a culture of honesty, transparency, and accountability within their schools and communities.
The facilitators further noted that equipping young people with knowledge and strong ethical values would help nurture a generation of responsible citizens committed to safeguarding public resources and strengthening Ghana’s democratic governance.
Some participants expressed appreciation to GACC for educational engagement, describing it as timely and impactful. They pledged to serve as ambassadors of integrity by encouraging their colleagues to reject corrupt practices and uphold ethical values.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/George-Ramsey Benamba