Accra: Madam Kathleen Addy, the Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has called on young people to play active roles in helping to build a just and corruption-free society. She emphasized the responsibility of the youth, especially tertiary students, to change negative mindsets and promote integrity, fairness, and accountability within their communities. "We want a society where people know that if they do the right thing and follow the right course, it will take them somewhere," she stated.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Addy made these remarks during a symposium for Civic Education Clubs in tertiary institutions, organized by the NCCE under its ongoing project titled: 'Civic Engagements on the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption.' This initiative is part of the Participation, Accountability, and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) Programme. Supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the European Union (EU), and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and implemented by GIZ, the symposium is one of several engagements the Commission is conducting across the country with tertiary students.
Madam Addy noted that corruption is nearly normalized in society, with many engaging in corrupt practices without recognizing them as wrong. She stressed the importance of transparency and due process, highlighting that public perception plays a crucial role in promoting accountability. She encouraged individuals to initiate small changes in their lives as a starting point in the fight against corruption. "If we don't change the individual mindset, it will be much harder to fight corruption," she added.
To foster change, especially among the youth, Madam Addy mentioned that the NCCE has established over 5,000 Civic Education Clubs in basic, secondary, and tertiary institutions nationwide. These clubs serve as crucial platforms for promoting civic responsibility and educating young people on national issues. She urged members to view themselves as future leaders capable of influencing positive change in their communities and the nation.
Madam Addy also spoke on illegal mining, known as galamsey, labeling it as dangerous and harmful to the country's future. She highlighted the serious threats it poses to public health, agriculture, tourism, and national development. "We all drink from the same water sources and eat food grown on the same land. If the land is contaminated, we are all at risk," she warned, encouraging students to speak out against illegal mining activities and educate others on its harmful effects.
Professor Etse Sikanku, Dean of the Faculty of Journalism and Media Studies at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC-GIJ), emphasized the need for a strong civic education culture in Ghana to strengthen the country's democracy. He commended the NCCE for promoting civic consciousness among the youth and stressed that civic education is essential for national development and democratic consolidation.
Dr. Daniel Appiah, a Lecturer in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Ghana Business School, highlighted the importance of ethical leadership and respect for the rule of law to sustain democracy and accountability. He urged student leaders to practice integrity, particularly in handling student funds, procurement, and leadership responsibilities.
The symposium gathered civic education clubs from various tertiary institutions, including the University of Ghana, Christian Heritage University, University of Professional Studies, Accra, and Ghana Telecom University. The NCCE also swore in executives of the new civic education club at UniMAC.