GACC, SWIDA-Ghana marks AU Anti-Corruption Day with youth engagements

This year’s African Union Anti-Corruption Day, has been commemorated with series of sensitisation activities at selected second cycle schools in the North East and Northern Regions.

It was on the theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” and aimed at raising awareness among young people on the impact of corruption and their role in promoting transparency and accountability.

Over 2,000 students and staff from the Walewale Technical and Vocational Institute, Walewale Senior High Technical School, Savelugu Senior High School, and Pong Tamale Senior High School participated in the engagements.

It was organised by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) in collaboration with the Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency (SWIDA-Ghana) including the Local Accountability Networks at Savelugu and Walewale.

It was organised with support from the Hewlett Foundation and formed part of GACC’s broader campaign to engage youth in 40 districts across all 16 regions.

Facilitators from SWIDA-Ghana and Local Accountability Networks led interactive sessions on the concept of corruption, its effects on society, and key anti-corruption legislations such as the Whistleblower Act, 2006 (Act 720) and the Witness Protection Act, 2018 (Act 975).

At the Walewale Technical Institute, SWIDA-Ghana’s Executive Director, Hajia Alima Sagito-Saeed, along with other leaders of the Local Accountability Networks, led discussions using relatable examples including examination malpractices, bribery, and favouritism in schools to illustrate how corruption manifested in everyday life.

Miss Juliet Wepaare Ako, from SWIDA-Ghana encouraged the students to share personal experiences and addressed concerns about reporting corruption including what to do when the alleged perpetrator was a person in authority.

She introduced students to safe reporting mechanisms and platforms and emphasised the legal protections available to whistleblowers.

She emphasised “See something, say something. Young people must resist, reject, and report corruption wherever it occurs.”

Participants were also educated on the roles of institutions such as the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, the Office of the Special Prosecutor, traditional authorities, and Members of Parliament in the fight against corruption.

The activities concluded with a live radio discussion on Wale FM in both English Language and Mampruli to ensure wider reach.

Panelists reinforced messages from the school sessions, highlighted the importance of whistleblowing, and called on the youth to take active role in holding leaders accountable.

Source: GNA