Wulensi: The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Nanumba South District of the Northern Region organised a town hall meeting at Wulensi to educate women groups and other stakeholders on the importance of participating in efforts to combat corruption.
According to Ghana News Agency, the engagement was co-funded by the European Union and the German Development Cooperation and included about 45 participants from community-based organisations, civil society groups, persons with disabilities, trade associations, and public institutions. Representatives from the Youth Parliament, Campaign for Female Education, Ghana Education Service (GES), Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations, and staff of the District Assembly along with dressmakers, hairdressers, and traders took part in the forum.
Mr George Konlan, Nanumba South District Director of NCCE, Madam Matilda Ayombil, District Director of GES, and Mr Mutaru Mohammed, Presiding Member of the District Assembly and Speaker of the Youth Parliament, led the discussions. The discussions centred on 'Background of Ghana's anti-corruption efforts' and 'Role of women in the fight against corruption'.
Mr Konlan highlighted that corruption is a major obstacle to sustainable development in the country, affecting job creation, income levels, and exacerbating poverty, particularly among women. He emphasised that despite the nation's abundant resources, rampant corruption has left the majority of Ghanaians impoverished. He outlined Ghana's anti-corruption history, relevant legislation, and institutional frameworks, urging participants to consider their roles in combating corruption.
Madam Ayombil described women as natural change agents capable of inspiring societal improvements. She stressed the need for women to ensure their children receive quality education and moral upbringing to foster responsible citizenship. She encouraged women to demand transparency and accountability in all areas of life, pursue knowledge, economic empowerment, and leadership roles to amplify their voices in governance and policy decision-making.
Feedback from participants revealed that many women face limited support from their male counterparts, restricting their participation in governance and development processes. Mr Mutaru urged participants to overcome these barriers by developing themselves and upholding morality and integrity. He advised them to reject corrupt practices and report any such acts to authorities.
Participants expressed gratitude to the NCCE for the sensitisation exercise and called for more engagements to empower women to contribute effectively to the fight against corruption and promote accountable governance.