Obuasi: The Obuasi East Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has engaged members of the civic education club of Obuasi Senior High School on topics such as ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability. This engagement is part of a broader effort to deepen youth participation in the fight against corruption.
According to Ghana News Agency, the engagement is a component of the 'Civic Engagements on the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption' initiative. This initiative is implemented under the Participation, Accountability and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) Programme, which aims to empower young people with knowledge on ethical governance and strengthen their appreciation of public accountability. The programme also encourages respect for the rule of law as a critical pillar of democratic development.
Mrs. Gertrude Kwofie, Municipal Director of Legal Aid Authority, addressed the students on key provisions of Ghana's anti-corruption framework, emphasizing the Whistle Blower's Act. She explained that the law provides a secure avenue for individuals to report wrongdoing, including corruption and misuse of public resources, without fear of victimization. Mrs. Kwofie highlighted that corruption thrives in environments where individuals remain silent and urged students to be guided by integrity, honesty, and fairness in their daily decisions. She noted that understanding legal provisions must be complemented by a strong sense of personal responsibility and ethical conduct.
Mr. Lawrence Nyame, the Obuasi East Municipal Director of the NCCE, emphasized the importance of ethical leadership, which he described as leadership grounded in accountability, transparency, and service to the public. He stated that ethical leaders prioritize the common good over personal interests and avoid practices such as conflict of interest and influence peddling, which undermine fairness and institutional credibility. Mr. Nyame encouraged students to view themselves as future leaders and begin practicing accountability in their academic and social lives. He explained that public accountability requires duty bearers to be answerable to the people for their actions and decisions, while citizens have a responsibility to demand transparency from leaders.
The engagement, which included interactive discussions and question-and-answer sessions, is part of a nationwide exercise targeting civic education clubs in senior high schools and youth groups in tertiary institutions. The initiative aims to strengthen civic knowledge among young people, promote responsible citizenship, and build a generation committed to transparency and accountability in both public and private life.