By Dennis Peprah
Abesim (Bono), Aug. 11, GNA – Stakeholders have called on families to play a leading role in the fight against corruption by instilling values of integrity, patriotism and honesty in children from an early age.
They urged parents, guardians and society at large to inculcate in children the values of patriotism, moderation, love for the nation and the fear of God as part of efforts to curb the growing corruption menace.
The stakeholders, comprising traditional leaders, clergy, civil society actors and anti-corruption advocates, made the call at a one-day follow-up workshop organised by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) at Abesim, near Sunyani in the Bono Region.
The workshop formed part of the implementation of the “Strengthening Accountability, Rule of Law and Institutional Responsiveness in Ghana” (SARIS) project.
Funded by the European Union (EU), the project is being implemented in 24 districts across the country to strengthen the watchdog role of civil society organisations and support advocacy for reforms aimed at improving Ghana’s integrity systems.
The project is being led by the Centre for Democratic Development-Ghana (CDD-Ghana) in collaboration with the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) and Transparency International Ghana (TI Ghana).
Participants expressed concern about the growing incidence of vote-buying and bribery, which they said had become common even in the election of prefects in some basic schools.
According to them, such practices expose children to corrupt behaviour at an early age and contribute to nurturing a culture of corruption in society.
Mr Johnson Mawuli Tsagli, Bono Regional Administrator of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), said the fight against corruption required a collective effort from all segments of society.
He noted that parents, teachers, religious leaders and community members all had important roles to play in promoting ethical behaviour and accountability.
Mr Tsagli said attitudinal change was essential in combating corruption but acknowledged that it required sustained advocacy and public education.
“The petty gifts we even take, though part of our culture, we are greasing our palms to leverage future opportunities”, Mr Tsagli stated.
Nana Akosua Pokuaa, Akyeamehemaa of New Dormaa, a suburb of Sunyani, and a basic schoolteacher, said traditional authorities had a critical role to play in anti-corruption campaigns.
She therefore called for greater empowerment of chiefs and queen mothers to spearhead anti-corruption advocacy at the community level.
Nana Pokuaa also urged families to educate children on the negative consequences of corruption on individuals, communities, and national development.
Mr Samuel Kofi Adagbodzo, Planning Officer at the Sunyani Municipal Assembly, described corruption as a social canker that required a concerted response.
“Corruption is a social canker and very difficult to treat. However, we can make headway if we begin the fight from our homes,” he said.
Mr Raphael Godlove Ahenu, an anti-corruption advocate and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Media Foundation (GloMeF), a human rights and media advocacy non-governmental organisation, urged citizens to hold public officials accountable for their actions.
Describing corruption as a major obstacle to national development, Ms Pamela Laourou, Assistant Communications Officer of the GACC, expressed concern that the phenomenon continued to deprive many people, especially children, of access to essential social services.
She observed that corruption remained one of the major impediments to the nation’s development.
She expressed worry that there were presently some schools which continue to hold classes under trees.
Ms Laourou called on participants to take ownership of the anti-corruption campaign and contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at reducing corruption at the community level.
She emphasised that the fight against corruption required continuous commitment and sacrifice from all citizens.
“Without sacrifice, we can’t make a headway,” she added.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Dennis Peprah
Email: [email protected],gh
Caption: Picture shows participants