Accra: Mr Kenneth Kponor, Volta Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has called for a national moral reawakening to help combat corruption, restore integrity, and strengthen the rule of law in Ghana. He noted a decline in moral values and ethical standards, which posed a serious threat to democracy, justice, and national development.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Kponor made the call during a symposium for Civic Education Clubs and Tertiary Institutions on Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption. The event was organised by the NCCE in collaboration with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) at the School of Hygiene in Ho. The symposium is part of a nationwide civic education campaign aimed at promoting integrity, accountability, and responsible citizenship, particularly among the youth.
Addressing students, Mr Kponor described the programme as a national wake-up call, stressing the need for citizens to reflect on the culture of corruption and moral decay in society. He observed the excessive value placed on wealth and luxurious lifestyles without questioning the legitimacy of such wealth. Traditional values like honesty and patriotism are weakening, while many young people are pressured to acquire wealth quickly by any means.
Mr Kponor expressed concern over the acceptance of internet fraud, known as 'sakawa,' ritual money practices, and other dishonest means of acquiring wealth. He criticised some religious leaders for promoting false prosperity teachings and exploiting vulnerable people. He noted that societal respect is increasingly measured by material wealth rather than character and contribution to national development.
The Regional Director also raised concerns about corruption's impact on traditional and religious institutions, noting that monetary demands before assistance or services undermine public trust. He stated that institutions must lead by example and demonstrate integrity. The moral decline, he explained, is weakening public trust in state institutions and creating the perception that justice can be influenced by money and power.
Mr Kponor commended the partnership between the NCCE and GIZ, describing it as timely in promoting civic consciousness and anti-corruption education. He stressed that the fight against corruption must focus on rebuilding national conscience and ethical leadership. The NCCE plans interventions such as public education on the Whistleblower Act, social media campaigns on corruption dangers, and formation of community Social Auditing Committees.
Mr Eric Oduro-Danso, Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) in Ho, discussed conflict of interest in decision-making, urging students to uphold fairness in public service. Rev Israel Akrobortu, Director at the Department of Children, spoke on ethical leadership and encouraged students to become responsible leaders. Mr Kofi Agbenyo, Administrator of the School of Hygiene, thanked the NCCE for the programme and urged students to uphold professional ethics.
The NCCE is conducting similar dialogues in South Tongu, Ketu South, North Dayi, and Hohoe as part of the nationwide campaign.