Juaben: The Juaben Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has organised a civic forum to educate out-of-school youth on the dangers of corruption and the importance of upholding the rule of law. The forum, which also aimed to empower young people with the civic knowledge needed to promote good governance, peace, and sustainable development, was held in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and with funding support from the European Union (EU).
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Kodjo Adjormadoh, the Juaben Municipal Director of NCCE, addressed the participants and underscored the devastating effects of corruption on national progress. He explained that diverting public resources into private hands undermined development and widened inequality. "Empowering the youth with civic knowledge is crucial in building a responsible, law-abiding, and integrity-driven society," Mr. Adjormadoh stated.
Mrs. Bertha Zaazie from the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), who served as the resource person, highlighted the far-reaching consequences of corruption, including loss of public trust in institutions, limited opportunities for young people, and weakened democratic governance. She urged the youth to resist dishonest practices, reject inducements, and serve as positive role models within their communities.
The participants shared personal experiences and raised concerns about issues such as abuse of public office, delays in justice delivery, and misuse of state resources. They expressed their commitment to supporting the fight against corruption by staying vigilant, reporting wrongdoing, and promoting integrity in their daily lives.
The initiative forms part of the NCCE's nationwide campaign to strengthen transparency, accountability, and active citizenship, particularly among the youth who represent the country's future leaders. It also aligns with the objectives of the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP), which seeks to reduce corruption and foster a culture of integrity across all sectors of Ghanaian society.
The Juaben Municipal Directorate of the NCCE expressed its gratitude to GIZ GmbH and the European Union for their support in making the engagement a success.