Ada: The Local Accountability Network (LANet) in the Ada East District, spearheaded by the Ayongo Foundation, has called on students at Ada Senior High Technical School (ASTECH) to remain vigilant, patriotic, and proactive in reporting corruption within their schools and communities.
According to Ghana News Agency, this advice was imparted during a sensitization session, part of an anti-corruption outreach organized in partnership with the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), with support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
During the session, Madam Betty Sackey, the Ada LANet Focal Person, highlighted the crucial role of youth involvement in combating corruption. She urged students to understand their rights and to report any suspected corrupt acts.
Mrs. Elizabeth Hammond Agyemang, Director of CHRAJ, Ada East, encouraged the students to use proper channels like the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the police, school authorities, or community leaders to report corruption. She emphasized that corruption involves the misuse of public office for personal gain and encouraged citizens to be courageous in exposing such acts while maintaining personal integrity.
Madam Faustina Blewusi, NCCE Director for Ada East, contested the notion that corruption is solely a political issue, asserting that it can begin with young individuals as well. She stressed the importance of early reporting to rectify corrupt behavior. Known as Mama Megbenya II, she advised students on the direct impact of corruption on youth employment opportunities, urging them to act when they witness corrupt practices.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) John Akugah, Commander of the Sege Police Station, warned students about the legal repercussions of corruption and crime, even for minors. He cautioned against peer pressure leading to unlawful activities, reminding students of the lasting impact of their actions on their permanent school records.
Mr. Raphael Vroom, Headmaster of ASTECH, expressed appreciation for the outreach initiative, reaffirming the school's dedication to fostering responsible citizens. He emphasized the importance of discipline and encouraged students to report corrupt practices, particularly during examinations.
Some students, speaking with the Ghana News Agency, shared that the engagement was enlightening, reflecting the impact of the session on their understanding and attitudes towards corruption.
