By Kingsley Mamore, GNA
Dambai (O/R), Aug. 4, GNA – Tertiary students in the Oti Region have been encouraged to uphold constitutional values, demonstrate integrity and actively support the fight against corruption, as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s democratic governance and promote sustainable national development.
The sensitisation programme, organised by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) with support from the European Union (EU) and GIZ, formed part of ongoing civic education initiatives to equip young people with knowledge on constitutional governance, the rule of law, human rights, ethical leadership and anti-corruption measures.
The programme brought representatives from the Jasikan College of Education, Dambai College of Education, West End University College and other key educators.
Speaking on the theme of constitutional governance, Nana Robert Kwasi Boame, the Oti Regional Director of the NCCE, urged students to embrace the rule of law, integrity and ethical leadership as indispensable pillars of Ghana’s constitutional democracy.
He explained that the rule of law required every individual, institution and arm of government to operate strictly within the confines of the law, stressing that no person, regardless of social status, political affiliation or public office was above the law.
Nana Boame said respect for the law should reflect in the daily conduct of citizens through punctuality, compliance with environmental and sanitation regulations, respect for the rights of others, and adherence to institutional rules and national laws.
He emphasised that public officials must demonstrate fairness, transparency, accountability and professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities and cautioned against demanding unauthorised payments for services to which citizens were legally entitled.
Addressing the future aspirations of the students, Nana Boame reminded them that many of them would eventually assume positions of leadership and influence in society.
“Some of you will become teachers, principals, public servants, members of Parliament, chief executives and other national leaders. When that time comes, remember to act fairly, honestly, and always within the law,” he advised.
He said Ghana’s future depended on leaders who placed integrity, accountability, patriotism and the national interest above personal gain.
The Regional Director underscored the importance of civic education in strengthening democracy, noting that informed and responsible citizens remained the foundation of peaceful coexistence, constitutional governance and sustainable development.
He urged the students to uphold the values of patriotism, tolerance, respect for diversity, peaceful dialogue and responsible citizenship, stressing that the survival and growth of Ghana’s democracy depended largely on the commitment of the youth to constitutionalism and ethical leadership.
Mr Joshua Boarah, the Oti Regional Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), educated the participants on the constitutional mandate of the Commission to promote and protect human rights, ensure administrative justice and investigate allegations of corruption, abuse of office, conflict of interest and other forms of maladministration involving public officials.
He described corruption as one of the greatest obstacles to Ghana’s socio-economic development, explaining that it diverted scarce public resources from essential services, weakened state institutions, discouraged investment and undermined public confidence in governance.
Mr Boarah stressed that combating corruption required the collective efforts of citizens, public institutions and office holders, adding that young people had a critical role to play by rejecting corrupt practices and promoting integrity in every aspect of their lives.
He also educated the students on conflict of interest, explaining that public officials must avoid situations where personal interests could improperly influence their official responsibilities or compromise public trust.
Mr Boarah urged the students to cultivate honesty, fairness, impartiality and accountability in their academic, professional and personal lives, saying those values were essential for building a transparent and accountable society.
He further encouraged them to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the 1992 Constitution and other relevant laws, explaining that a sound understanding of citizens’ rights and responsibilities would empower them to hold duty bearers accountable while contributing meaningfully to national development.
The programme featured an interactive question-and-answer session during which students sought clarification on constitutional rights, corruption reporting mechanisms, conflict of interest, ethical leadership and the responsibilities of citizens in promoting democratic governance and protecting public resources.
Participants described the engagement as timely, insightful and educative, saying it had broadened their understanding of constitutional governance, human rights, the rule of law, and the collective responsibility of citizens in preventing corruption.
They pledged to uphold constitutional values and serve as ambassadors of integrity, accountability and ethical leadership within their institutions and communities while contributing to Ghana’s democratic consolidation and socio-economic development.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo