The Kintampo South Local Accountability Network (LANet), in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and supported by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), has marked this year’s Africa Union Anti-Corruption Day (AUACD).
The celebration saw series of engagements involving students from selected basic schools and local artisans in the Kintampo North and South districts.
The event, held under the theme “Equipping the Young People with Knowledge about Corruption and the Importance of Whistleblowing,” aimed at raising awareness among the youth about the dangers of corruption and the critical role they play in combating it.
Background and Purpose
Addressing participants at separate durbars, Mr. Godwin Agyarko Gyasi, the Focal Person of the Local Accountability Network, highlighted the significance of July 11th—Africa Union Anti-Corruption Day—which was instituted by the African Union in 2003 through the adoption of the AU Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC).
He noted that 48 countries, including Ghana, have ratified the convention, reinforcing their commitment to fighting corruption through national measures.
Mr. Gyasi called for a collective reflection, especially from the youth, on their role in resisting and rejecting corrupt practices.
Call to Action: Be Active Whistleblowers
Mr. Gyasi encouraged both students and dressmakers present to become active whistleblowers by reporting acts of corruption to appropriate authorities, including security agencies, traditional leaders, and school authorities.
Understanding Corruption: NCCE Educates Youth
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Osumanu Alhassan, Programme Officer at the Kintampo Municipal office of the NCCE, took participants through the types of corruption—such as bribery, fraud, embezzlement, favoritism, and extortion—and the consequences it poses to society.
He emphasized that corruption affects everyone, increasing poverty, limiting opportunities, and obstructing development by restricting access to healthcare, quality education, and other essential services.
Promoting Whistleblowing Laws and Youth Involvement
Mr. Alhassan also shed light on the Whistleblower’s Act, 2006 (Act 720) and the Witness Protection Act, 2018 (Act 975), underscoring that these legal frameworks offer confidentiality and protection to whistleblowers.
He informed students that whistleblowers may receive a 10% reward of any recovered public funds following their reports.
He concluded by urging the youth to adopt the mantra: “See Something, Say Something”, advising them to use social media responsibly and become educators in their own right by encouraging peers to report corruption and hold leaders accountable.
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