The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has raised alarm over growing threats of corruption, harassment and abuse of authority within schools, urging students to resist shortcuts to success and speak out against misconduct.
Addressing members of the Civic Education Club at Prampram Senior High School, Ningo-Prampram District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education, Emmanuel Oppong, cautioned students that corruption often begins with small acts of dishonesty tolerated in schools and later spreads into national institutions.
He stressed that Ghana’s future depends on raising a generation that values integrity, discipline and accountability rather than manipulation and unfair advantage.
“Every strong nation is built on honesty, discipline, fairness, and responsible leadership. When these values are absent, corruption grows to weaken our schools, hospitals, roads, and businesses,” he warned.
The engagement, organised under the Participation, Accountability and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) Programme, focused on ethical leadership, conflict of interest, influence peddling and the rule of law.
Mr Oppong challenged students to reject examination malpractice, favouritism and abuse of influence, arguing that such practices destroy merit and public trust.
He further reminded student leaders that accountability begins at school level, insisting that prefects and club executives must be transparent in handling funds and decision-making.
The programme also highlighted concerns over harassment and exploitation within schools, particularly allegations of “sex-for-grades” schemes involving some teachers.
An investigator from the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, Abena Fosuah Amankwah, warned students about the dangers of sexual harassment, bullying and cyber exploitation.
She revealed that some perpetrators use social media and compromising images to blackmail and manipulate young women for sexual favours.
Ms Amankwah also addressed reports of male teachers allegedly offering examination questions or guaranteed grades in exchange for sexual relationships with students.
“If you are a student and you find yourself in such a situation, we have institutions you can report that particular teacher to,” she advised.
She encouraged victims to report cases to school authorities, counselling units, disciplinary committees or national institutions such as Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
Officials at the event urged students to focus on their education, resist peer pressure and become advocates for integrity and accountability both in school and society.
