By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu, GNA
Kasseh-Ada, July 17, GNA – The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) has commemorated this year’s Africa Anti-Corruption Day with an integrity campaign and educational programme for pupils of Pentecost Preparatory School in Kasseh, Ada East District, Greater Accra Region.
The programme, organised in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), sought to instil the values of honesty, accountability and integrity among schoolchildren as part of efforts to combat corruption from an early age.
Observed annually on July 11, Africa Anti-Corruption Day provides a platform to promote transparency, accountability and integrity across the African continent, with this year’s being observed on the theme “Scaling Up the Promotion of Integrity and Anti-Corruption Action Across Africa”.
Madam Betty Sackey, Coordinator of GACC, said the organisation deliberately targeted schoolchildren because many forms of corrupt behaviour were beginning to manifest at an early age.
Madam Sackey cited examination malpractice, abuse of authority among pupils and other dishonest practices as examples of behaviours that, if left unchecked, could develop into more serious acts of corruption in adulthood.
“We believe that if children are taught the values of honesty, integrity and accountability early enough, they will grow into responsible citizens who reject corruption in all its forms,” she said.
Responding to a question about whether the campaign would be extended to other schools, Madam Sackey said the initiative would continue in both public and private educational institutions.
She explained that GACC planned to engage pupils and students at the basic and senior high school levels to deepen their understanding of corruption and encourage ethical conduct.
Mrs Elizabeth Hammond-Agyemang, Ada East District Director of CHRAJ, urged the pupils to embrace honesty, accountability and integrity in their daily activities, stressing that fighting corruption required the active participation of every citizen.
Madam Faustina Blewusi, Ada East District Director of the NCCE, pointed out the necessity of nurturing integrity among young people, saying educating children on the consequences of corruption was critical to building a society founded on transparency and good governance.
She encouraged teachers and parents to reinforce ethical values at home and in school to help children resist corrupt practices.
As part of the programme, pupils participated in interactive discussions on corruption, its impact on national development and the role young people could play in promoting integrity.
The pupils also took part in a painting exercise, creatively illustrating various forms of corruption, including bribery, embezzlement, abuse of power and examination malpractice, as well as their effects on society.
The activity encouraged the children to reflect on the harmful consequences of corruption while inspiring them to become ambassadors for transparency and ethical behaviour within their schools and communities.
The GACC reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with schools, communities and public institutions across the country to strengthen integrity and anti-corruption education as part of efforts to promote accountable leadership and sustainable national development.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor/George-Ramsey Benamba