Lambussie: The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), in the Lambussie District has organized a town hall meeting to empower women groups on the rule of law and the fight against corruption.
According to Ghana News Agency, the project, supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and co-funded by the European Union (EU), aimed to equip women with practical knowledge on the rule of law, civic rights, and legal frameworks, including the Whistleblower Act, Domestic Violence Act, and the Right to Information Act.
The initiative, held under the theme 'Strengthening the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption in Ghana,' brought together 50 women comprising traders, hairdressers, dressmakers, queen mothers, assembly members, and other female community members. It also sought to create a platform for empowering women to speak out against wrongdoing without fear of retaliation while fostering a sense of civic duty and responsibility among women.
Mr. Taalar Amatus, NCCE Lambussie District Officer in charge, said the project formed part of NCCE's sensitization programmes aimed at promoting civic responsibility and good governance at the grassroots level. He described corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, highlighting various forms such as extortion, embezzlement, bribery, nepotism, fraud, and favouritism. He noted that 'These practices are killing our nation, and it is imperative we find lasting solutions to combat corruption in Ghana.'
He explained that corruption disproportionately affects marginalized groups, especially women, and stressed the need for collective efforts to combat corruption. He said proper sensitization programmes as well as empowering women in the various communities to understand the importance of the rule of law and their role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance was necessary in curbing corruption. Mr. Amatus emphasized that knowledge was power, noting that empowerment starts with knowledge. He added that when women understand their rights, they can stand firm against injustices and demand accountability.
Mr. Abakisi Lawrence Akangagnang, the Lambussie District Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), encouraged women to be bold in speaking and report cases of domestic violence and corruption practices in their communities without intimidation. 'Many women fail to speak out against domestic violence and corruption due to intimidation, but through engagement like this it would motivate them to seek justice when their rights are being abused,' he said. He emphasized that 'We want that through this engagement women will be able to come out boldly to speak out publicly on issues confronting them, and knowing that no one is above the law, whether politicians, a chief or an ordinary citizen'. He emphasized that anyone who found guilty under the law should face appropriate sanctions, adding that this was crucial for building public trust and upholding justice.
Mr. Andrew Asiedu Banato, the Lambussie District Police Commander, urged the participants to take personal responsibility in fighting corruption and demonstrate integrity in their daily activities. 'Let each one be a champion of honesty and fairness, whether in offices, markets, workplaces, or homes. Doing this collectively can help fight corruption in Ghana,' he said. The programme featured an interactive discussion session where participants shared personal experiences and suggested ways to enhance transparency, accountability in their communities.
The participants expressed gratitude to the NCCE and partners for the initiative, which according to them had enlightened them on the rule of law and their role in combating corruption. Some also described the initiative as eye-opening and empowering and pledged to serve as champions for integrity within their various groups. They added that the discussion had given them a deeper understanding of the Rule of Law and their role in fighting corruption at the community level. 'We used to think that corruption is associated with the politicians and public officers only but this engagement had opened our eyes to understand that corruption can occur in everyday activity including workplace and homes.
