Sekondi-takoradi: The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) Local Accountability Network of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) has engaged more than 1000 students from three educational institutions on the subjects of Corruption and the Whistle Blowers Acts. The schools involved in this educational initiative are the Opportunity Industrialization Centre Institute, Takoradi Community Development Institute, and the Presbyterian Schools.
According to Ghana News Agency, the educational project focused on the detrimental effects of corruption on Ghana’s socio-economic development and emphasized the necessity for collective efforts to eradicate the practice from society. Madam Mercy Quarshie, a leading member of the Network, mentioned that the African Union Anti-Corruption Day (AUACD), observed annually on July 11, underscores the continent’s commitment to combating corruption as outlined in the 2003 AU Convention. This day serves as a reminder to increase awareness, assess progress, and bolster anti-corruption endeavors. Since 2018, GACC has commemorated this day through outreach and educational activities, particularly targeting young individuals.
GACC has prioritized engaging the youth in its anti-corruption initiatives, recognizing their susceptibility to corruption and their potential as future leaders. The organization aims to provide young people with the knowledge and tools necessary to act with integrity and demand accountability. This year, with the support of the Hewlett Foundation, GACC is expanding its AU Anti-Corruption Day sensitization efforts to involve youth in discussions about corruption, promote whistleblowing, and encourage civic responsibility.
Madam Beauty Emefa Narte, the Executive Secretary, in a release marking the day, highlighted the persistent issue of corruption, which undermines development, exacerbates inequality, and erodes public trust in institutions. The 2023 Auditor-General’s Report revealed that the nation lost over GHS11 billion due to financial irregularities, resources that could have significantly improved education, healthcare, and job opportunities for citizens.
Madam Narte stressed that young people often face the harshest consequences of corruption, which disrupts access to quality education, reduces job prospects, limits opportunities, and undermines trust in public systems. She emphasized that these challenges make it difficult for young people to envision a future grounded in fairness and integrity. GACC recognizes that empowering the youth to stand against corruption is a crucial step towards building a fairer, more inclusive Ghana, where development benefits all citizens. She urged stakeholders to support and protect the youth as they advocate for transparency and justice and called on the youth of Ghana to take a personal pledge against corruption by committing to the 3Rs of Corruption – Resist, Reject, and Report.