NCCE promotes anti-corruption values among basic schools

The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), in partnership with the Wassa Amenfi West Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has engaged pupils of some basic schools to promote transparency, integrity and accountability. 

The programme, held on the theme: ‘Building evidence for increased accountability in Ghana through a multi-stakeholder accountability initiative,’ targeted students of the All Saints Academy and Mount Calvary Basic School. 

The interactive session gave students the platform to share their understanding of corruption and suggest ways to combat it. 

The pupils defined corruption as the abuse of entrusted power or public office for personal gain through dishonest means such as bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, favouritism, and fraud. 

They identified various forms of corruption to include examination malpractice, extortion, abuse of office, and the misappropriation of public funds.  

They noted that corruption occurred in schools, workplaces, public institutions, and society at large. 

The students said greed, poverty, unemployment, weak enforcement of laws, lack of integrity, inadequate civic education, and the desire for quick wealth, were some of the key drivers of corruption. 

“When people are not held accountable for their actions, corruption tends to increase,” one student said. 

To address the menace, the pupils proposed practical solutions including inculcating honesty and integrity from an early age, strengthening civic and anti-corruption education in schools, enforcing anti-corruption laws without fear or favour, and providing protection for whistle-blowers. 

Mr Cornelius Ahiekpor, the Wassa Amenfi West Municipal Director of NCCE and facilitator for the programme, commended the students for their insightful contributions. 

He urged them to uphold the values of honesty and patriotism in their daily lives, stressing that the fight against corruption required the collective efforts of government institutions, civil society organisations, schools, parents, traditional leaders, the media, and the youth. –GNA