NCCE urges students to fight corruption

Student leaders in Ghana's Upper West Region have been called upon to champion accountability, uphold the rule of law, and actively reject corruption. The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), in collaboration with partners like the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV), organized a youth dialogue to deepen understanding of good governance and its challenges.

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Corruption is a major obstacle to Ghana’s political, social and economic development.

The engagement aimed to equip participants with knowledge on critical issues such as conflict of interest, ethical leadership, and transparency. Officials from the NCCE and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) led discussions, emphasizing the role citizens play in holding public institutions accountable. This initiative is part of the NCCE's constitutional mandate to educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities, fostering greater public participation in governance.

John Yibile, the Deputy Upper West Regional Director of the NCCE, described corruption as a significant impediment to Ghana's progress, stating it undermines democratic governance, erodes the rule of law, and deprives future generations of opportunities. He stressed that legal and policy measures alone have proven insufficient, highlighting the critical need for sustained public demand for accountability.

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Legal and policy measures alone have not been sufficient to eliminate the problem.

Yibile referenced articles of the 1992 Constitution that outline the NCCE's mandate and citizens' responsibilities. He explained that the commission actively promotes active citizenship through various engagements, including civic education clubs in schools, social audits, and dialogue series. The goal is to transform citizens from passive observers into active participants in national development by enhancing their understanding of democratic governance and accountability mechanisms. Sebastian Ziem, Chief Investigator of CHRAJ in the Upper West Region, noted that such dialogues are essential for bridging knowledge gaps on corruption and related issues.

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Sustained public demand for accountability remained critical in addressing corruption.