Salaga: The East Gonja Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Savannah Region has engaged youth in Salaga on the rule of law and the fight against corruption. This initiative is part of efforts to enhance accountability and promote good governance.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event attracted over 100 participants, including youth groups, artisans, traders, commercial tricycle riders, head porters, tailors, hairdressers, mechanics, traditional leaders, media personnel, and security services. This was part of the Civic Engagements with Youth Groups on Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption initiative, implemented by the NCCE in collaboration with GIZ and co-funded by the European Union.
Mr. Abdul-Latif Iddrisu, the East Gonja Municipal Director of NCCE, stated that the event aimed to raise awareness among young people about human rights, the rule of law, and civic duties. It also aimed to educate participants on reporting procedures and legal tools such as the Whistleblowers Act, while promoting active participation in public oversight and accountability.
Mr. Moses Ikumjon, East Gonja Municipal Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), along with other resource persons, facilitated discussions on understanding corruption, moralist and realist perspectives, its impact on development, the rule of law, and the Whistleblowers Act (Act 720). He stressed the importance of the rule of law as the foundation of democracy, emphasizing that no citizen, including leaders, is above the law.
Participants resolved to create a youth advocacy platform, 'Citizen Voice for Action,' to collaborate with the NCCE and its partners in sustaining education on corruption and good governance. They called for strengthening the Whistleblowers Act, insulating the judiciary from political influence, and enhancing public education to foster a culture of openness and accountability.
Challenges highlighted during the engagement included inadequate resources to reach all communities, fear of intimidation for whistleblowers, and political interference in criminal cases.
