NCCE engages women’s groups at North East Gonja on fight against corruption

The North East Gonja District Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has organised an educational campaign for women groups at Fuu in the Savannah Region.

It was to enhance their understanding of the rule of law and empower them to take an active role in the fight against corruption.

The engagement, supported by the European Union and GIZ, brought together 67 participants made up of market women, hairdressers, tailors, apprentices, and women leaders.

It formed part of efforts to promote civic awareness, legal empowerment, and transparency among women especially those out of school.

Ms Martha Bagbin, North East Gonja District Director of NCCE, speaking at the event at Fuu in the district in the Savannah Region, said women played crucial role in the country’s socio-economic development as caregivers, entrepreneurs, traders, and community leaders, and therefore must show greater interest in the fight against corruption.

She said corruption continued to deprive women and children of essential social services and opportunities, citing examples such as extortion through illegal levies, sexual harassment in exchange for services, and bribery to access basic facilities.

Ms Bagbin encouraged participants to be vigilant and to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to expose corrupt practices that undermined community development.

Mr Inusah Iddrisu, Principal Investigator and Public Education Officer, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Northern Region, took participants through topics including Rule of Law and Women’s Rights, Corruption and Women’s Vulnerability, and Civic Responsibilities under the 1992 Constitution.

He educated them on legal protections and reporting mechanisms under key legislations, such as the Whistleblowers Act, Domestic Violence Act, Right to Information Act and the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act.

He urged women to be courageous in reporting corruption and to actively support national anti-corruption efforts.

Mr Sulemana Fuseini, a resource person from School for Life, also called on participants to serve as change agents in their communities by promoting transparency, accountability and integrity in their associations and daily lives.

He emphasised the importance of instilling moral values in children to foster a culture of honesty and civic responsibility.

Participants expressed appreciation to the NCCE and its partners for the sensitisation programme describing it as eye-opening and impactful.

They also called for more of such engagements to deepen their knowledge on governance and anti-corruption mechanisms.

 Source: GNA