South tongu municipality: The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has organized a community engagement focused on 'Strengthening the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption in Ghana' within the South Tongu Municipality.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event, which was co-funded by the European Union (EU) in partnership with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), is part of a series of sensitisation initiatives aimed at enhancing civic responsibility and promoting good governance at the grassroots level. Mr. Oral-Robert Amenyo, Deputy Regional Director of the NCCE, emphasized the importance of increasing citizens' awareness of corruption and inspiring collective responsibility to tackle it. He stated that corruption is a national concern that requires the involvement of all citizens, not just a select few individuals or institutions.
Mr. Amenyo explained that the initiative is part of the Commission's ongoing efforts to engage with various community groups to promote civic consciousness and accountability. Following engagements with youth groups in the previous month, the Commission is now focusing on women, encouraging them to disseminate the anti-corruption message within their associations and homes. This outreach targets women from identifiable groups such as traditional leaders, market queens, and artisans.
Mr. Amenyo urged all Ghanaians to take personal responsibility in combating corruption in their own environments. He called on the public not to leave the fight to leaders alone but to demonstrate integrity in their daily interactions. He emphasized the importance of each person being a champion of honesty and fairness, whether at home, in the market, or at the workplace.
Mr. Philemon Boni, Acting Municipal Director of the NCCE, reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to raising public awareness about the principles of the rule of law and the need for collective action against corruption, which he identified as a significant impediment to national development. He noted that corruption often thrives because many citizens are not fully aware of the state's laws. He stressed the importance of sensitising women, who are among the most vulnerable, to understand their rights and roles in the fight against corruption.
Ms. Wendy Emefa Dogbey, Acting Municipal Director of CHRAJ, highlighted the importance of the collaboration between NCCE and CHRAJ in empowering women to report bribery, corruption, and domestic abuse cases without fear of intimidation. She noted that many women fail to speak out due to fear of harassment or intimidation, and the engagement aimed to encourage them to be assertive and seek justice when their rights are violated.
The forum also included discussions on domestic violence, whistleblowing, and accountability mechanisms within the public sector. Participants expressed their appreciation to the NCCE and CHRAJ for the initiative, describing it as enlightening and empowering. They acknowledged that the discussions had helped them better understand the Rule of Law and their role in curbing corruption at the community level.
The women expressed increased confidence in speaking out against injustices and demanding accountability from public officials and community leaders. They committed to serving as advocates for integrity within their groups and called for more such sensitisation programmes, particularly in rural areas, to help others become aware of their rights and responsibilities in the fight against corruption.
