Sege: The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition's (GACC) Local and Accountability Network (LANet) in Sege, located in the Ada West District of the Greater Accra Region, commemorated the 2025 African Union Anti-Corruption Day (AUACD) with a strong call for collective action against corruption.
According to Ghana News Agency, the GACC, through its LANet, emphasized the need for bold, inclusive, and united actions to confront the persistent issue of corruption across Africa. The theme for the 2025 AUACD celebration was "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations."
The 2023 Auditor-General's Report revealed that Ghana lost over GHS11 billion due to financial irregularities, which could have been used to improve education, healthcare, and job opportunities. Mr. Godwin Dzivor, the Sege LANet Focal Person, highlighted that corruption deprives communities of essential services and entrenches inequality, weakening trust in leadership.
Mr. Dzivor articulated that empowering the youth to oppose corruption is vital for building a fairer and more inclusive Ghana. In this effort, the GACC and its partners are implementing a nationwide youth-targeted anti-corruption campaign.
Supported by the Hewlett Foundation, this year's initiative focused on raising awareness, promoting civic engagement, and encouraging whistleblowing in 40 districts across 16 regions. Mr. Dzivor provided an overview of the Whistleblower Act, 2006 (Act 720), and the Witness Protection Act, 2018 (Act 975), explaining the protections and incentives they offer to whistleblowers.
The Whistleblower Act ensures confidentiality, protection from victimisation, and a financial reward for successful recoveries. The Witness Protection Act extends further protections, including identity shielding and psychological support.
Mr. Dzivor noted that the theme for this year's celebration resonates continent-wide, emphasizing that whistleblowing is a courageous act. A speech from the GACC Executive Secretary, Mrs. Beauty Emefa Narteh, urged community actors to support the youth in their fight for transparency and justice.
The GACC encouraged Ghana's youth to pledge against corruption and adhere to the 3Rs: resisting, rejecting, and reporting corruption. Their efforts aim to empower young people with the skills to identify, resist, and demand accountability, fostering a fair and inclusive society.
The campaign addressed various forms of corruption, including common instances in schools and youth environments, stressing that fighting corruption begins with everyone, and the youth are key leaders in this cause.
