Young people in Wenchi have been urged to play a proactive role in curbing corruption by reporting misconduct and holding public institutions accountable.
Mr. Francis Cudjoe, Wenchi Municipal Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), highlighted that weak oversight in public institutions has allowed individuals to exploit loopholes for personal gain. He stressed the importance of strengthening accountability systems to ensure public resources serve the citizenry.
“Individuals lacking moral convictions are more likely to manipulate procedures for selfish benefits,” Mr. Cudjoe said during a civic education campaign targeting out-of-school youth aged 18 to 35. The campaign was organised under the NCCE’s Civic Engagement on the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption Project, supported by GIZ and co-funded by the European Union.
The initiative equips participants with practical knowledge of civic rights, the Whistleblower Act, and the role of citizens in promoting transparency and integrity. Mr. Cudjoe emphasized that principled public officials and informed citizens are key to building a corruption-free society.
Mr. Emmanuel Kwame Sei, Registrar of the Wenchi Municipal Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), urged citizens to embrace their constitutional responsibilities under Article 41(f) of the 1992 Constitution to protect public property and expose misuse of funds. He encouraged citizens to use the Whistleblower Act 2006 (Act 720) to safely report misconduct, noting that the Wenchi CHRAJ office receives an average of 190 complaints annually, primarily relating to human rights abuses.
Participants, including Mr. Christopher Antwi, a local mobile phone dealer, described the campaign as an eye-opener, saying they had gained valuable insights on how to hold public officials accountable and contribute to national integrity.
The NCCE campaign highlights the vital role of civic education in empowering youth to act as watchdogs against corruption, reinforcing Ghana’s democratic and institutional integrity.
