Targeting the youth is key to ending corruption in Ghana – Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition
According to him, building early understanding of what constitutes corruption and its consequences will help groom responsible, active citizens who take interest in national governance and public accountability.
Emmanuel Anafo, Upper East Regional Focal Person for the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) and Advocacy Officer at TradeAID Integrated, says Ghana’s fight against corruption can be won if efforts are deliberately directed at shaping the attitudes of young people from an early age.
He made the remarks during an engagement with pupils of Paga Junior High School “A” in the Kassena Nankana West District as part of activities marking this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day, observed annually on December 9.
The sensitisation forms part of the coalition’s outreach to basic and second-cycle institutions across the region.
“Basically, we are holding engagements with pupils of second-cycle institutions, youth groups, and basic schools. We are targeting these young ones so we can begin to change their attitude right from the onset. We believe that eradicating corruption from Ghana requires an attitudinal approach, and that means catching them young.”
According to him, building early understanding of what constitutes corruption and its consequences will help groom responsible, active citizens who take interest in national governance and public accountability.
“We want these young people to grow up as active citizens, people who are aware of their surroundings, interested in how government spends public funds, and willing to demand accountability from their leaders.” He noted.
“This direction, we believe, will help us achieve our target of bringing corruption to the barest minimum. We also want them to know the channels for reporting corruption and the protection available to whistleblowers, so they won’t be afraid to speak up.”
Some pupils who participated in the session shared their lessons with Mike FM.
“We learnt that corruption is using entrusted power for selfish gain. We were also taught how to fight corruption using the three R’s, Refuse, Reject, and Report. We discussed the effects of corruption, including violence and financial loss to the state, which leads to low development.” One student said.
Another pupil expressed gratitude: “We have heard a lot about corruption today, and we say thank you to them. We hope that together we can fight corruption and lift the name of Ghana high.”
The engagement, organised by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition in collaboration with TradeAID Integrated and funded by GIZ and the Hewlett Foundation, also included visits to other schools such as Tedam Junior High School and Paga Senior High School, all in the Kasena Nankana West District.
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