Benin: Mr Adam Yakubu Benin, the Sissala East Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), has urged young people to be firm and bold in reporting perceived corrupt practices in both public and private institutions for investigation and action. He emphasized that corruption was a significant obstacle to the nation's development efforts and that all citizens, including the youth, had a responsibility to combat this menace.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Benin's comments were made during a capacity-building session for young people in the informal sector in the Municipality, focusing on strengthening the rule of law and the fight against corruption in Ghana. Approximately 50 young individuals from various youth groups and associations attended the event, which aimed to educate them about their rights and responsibilities, as well as the protections provided by the Whistleblower Act, Act 2006 (Act 720).
The session, organized by the Sissala East Municipal office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and co-funded by the European Union (EU), sought to empower the youth to speak out against societal wrongdoings without fear. This initiative was designed to instill a sense of civic duty and responsibility among the participants.
Mr Benin encouraged attendees to utilize the Whistleblower Act to report suspicious acts of corruption to the appropriate authorities, such as the Public Relations and Complaints Committee of the District Assembly, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the National Investigation Bureau (NIB), or the Ghana Police Service.
Mr Hussein Elyasu, the Sissala East Municipal Director of the NCCE, highlighted that corruption is a significant barrier to national development, necessitating a national orientation towards attitudinal change and adherence to national values. He emphasized the importance of individuals being self-disciplined and willing to speak and act correctly in the fight against corruption.
Mr Osman Kanton, the Executive Director of Action for Sustainable Development (ASUDEV), pointed out that the 1992 Constitution of Ghana guarantees the fundamental human rights and freedoms of every citizen. He challenged the youth to demand accountability from duty bearers in line with the rule of law while fulfilling their civic duties by assisting in the fight against crime, including corruption.
Some participants at the session expressed their commitment to being active citizens by reporting any suspected corruption-related issues they encounter within the municipality and beyond.
