Sogakope: The South Tongu Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has sensitised 48 out-of-school youth on the principles of the Rule of Law and the fight against corruption. The engagement, held at the Municipal Assembly Hall in Sogakope, formed part of a civic education programme supported by GIZ and co-funded by the European Union.
According to Ghana News Agency, participants included apprentices in dressmaking, carpentry and hairdressing, commercial motorbike riders, and youth groups such as City Boys, the Catholic Youth Organisation (CYO) of Holy Cross Parish, and the Christian Youth Builders (CYB) of the E.P. Church. Mr. Seth Fiagorme, South Tongu Municipal Director of the NCCE, facilitated the discussions with support from ASP Daniel Amedofu, Divisional Crime Officer of the Ghana Police Service.
Mr. Fiagorme explained that the Rule of Law rested on four principles: accountability, just laws, open government and accessible justice. He urged the youth to be law-abiding, stressing that freedoms such as expression and demonstration must be exercised responsibly. 'The Rule of Law means no one is above the law. Justice must be open, fair and accessible to all,' he said.
On corruption, he identified common forms including bribery, fraud, nepotism, facilitation payments and conflict of interest. He introduced participants to the Whistleblowers Act and assured them of legal protection when reporting wrongdoing. 'Corruption weakens communities, but the youth have the power to stand against it. If you see something wrong, speak up. The law will protect you,' he said.
ASP Amedofu emphasised the need for citizens to work with the police in fighting crime and corruption. 'The police cannot prosecute without evidence. If you report wrongdoing, you must also support investigations. That is how justice is served,' he noted, urging the youth to regard the police as partners in promoting accountability.
The interactive session enabled participants to seek clarifications on issues such as the safety of whistleblowers in small communities, corruption within law enforcement, and the role of youth groups in anti-corruption campaigns. The NCCE said the programme was part of its continuous efforts to build civic awareness and empower young people to uphold integrity, transparency and accountability in their communities.
