Tema: The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Tema Metropolitan office, in collaboration with the GIZ German Cooperation, has organised a civic engagement focused on the rule of law and the fight against corruption. The event was co-funded by the European Union and gathered representatives from various artisan groups to discuss the effects of corruption and methods to combat it while ensuring adherence to the rule of law.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Gifty Agyeiwa Badu, the Tema Metro Director of the NCCE, highlighted the commission's mandate, which was established by the 1992 Constitution and an Act of Parliament, making it both a constitutional and governmental establishment. She mentioned that the engagement aimed to provide a platform for discussions on maintaining the rule of law and encouraging public participation in the fight against corruption. This initiative is part of the NCCE's broader mandate to raise awareness and educate the public on the 1992 Constitution and other significant national issues.
Madam Badu urged citizens to be vigilant about state expenditures to ensure value for money. Madam Fati Mahami, the Tema Sub-Regional Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), briefed participants on the commission's work and encouraged them to report administrative complaints, embezzlement of public funds, and child maintenance issues to CHRAJ. She emphasized that cases beyond their jurisdiction would be referred to appropriate institutions.
Madam Mahami reiterated the principle of equality before the law, emphasizing that under the rule of law, arbitrary power is non-existent. She explained that corruption extends beyond bribery and includes any actions people take to benefit from their positions. She encouraged Ghanaians to report corrupt practices and officials, highlighting the negative impact corruption has on national development and fairness.
The event also saw contributions from Mr Bob Amiteye, the founder of the AbibiNsroma Foundation, who stressed the importance of public support in combating corruption due to its severe societal effects. He encouraged participants to demand accountability and transparency from authorities to significantly reduce corruption.
Participants identified several daily activities that constitute corruption, such as overpricing, exploiting positions to extort money, exploiting patients, and inflating service charges.
