Takoradi: Student leaders from the Takoradi Technical University (TTU) have been educated on the abuse of power and office for the wrong purposes. They were alerted that such acts also perpetuated corruption and contributed to the continuous decline of social good and realistic development.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Efua Yankson, the Acting Regional Director of the CHRAJ, served as a resource person for the programme organized by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE). She explained to the students that abuse of office occurs when a public officer improperly exercises the powers, resources, or influence of their office for private gain. This could favor an undeserved person, victimise others, or serve any personal aggrandisement rather than the lawful functions of that office.
She emphasized that such behaviors conflict with the statutory mandate of public officers and leaders, as stated in article 284 of the 1992 constitution. Madam Yankson noted that breaching public trust in office is illegal and punishable by law, urging leaders to be aware and disseminate this knowledge among themselves and their families to counteract this creeping menace. She encouraged the student leaders to report wrongdoing through whistleblower acts so that offenders could face justice.
Mr Andrews Ofori Larbi, the Western Regional Director of the NCCE, added that corruption is not limited to large-scale embezzlement or wrongful awarding of contracts but includes the misuse of office time and unauthorized removal of office items. He highlighted the need for everyone to foster a culture of ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability to strengthen democratic governance and sustain public trust.
Mr Larbi stated that the NCCE, under the Participation, Accountability, and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy Programme, continues to educate and create awareness in the public space to drive accountability from duty bearers, aiming to improve the well-being of the state. He mentioned that the youth, student leaders, and civic education clubs in schools are targeted as future leaders to reinforce respect for the rule of law, ethical leadership, and advance public accountability standards.
Mr Larbi expressed gratitude to the German government, European Union, and Swiss government for their support in helping the country enhance its governance, democracy, and accountability standards.