The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) has renewed its call for young people to lead the fight against corruption as Ghana joins the rest of the world to commemorate the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day.
Speaking on the theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” the Executive Secretary of GACC, Mrs. Beauty Emefa Narteh, emphasized that corruption remains one of the most pressing challenges undermining Ghana’s development, eroding public trust, and deepening inequality.
“Every cedi lost is a missed opportunity for better schools, improved healthcare, stronger infrastructure, and decent jobs. Its impact is felt most by our youth, whose dreams are limited when the systems meant to serve them are compromised,”she said.
Mrs. Narteh highlighted the critical role of the youth in safeguarding the nation’s integrity, pointing out that GACC has consistently worked to educate and empower young people with values of honesty, accountability, and civic responsibility.
“Over the years, we have continuously empowered young people with knowledge, values, and confidence to uphold integrity and accountability, because shaping Ghana’s future begins with nurturing the conscience of our youth today,” she stressed.
She recounted that during 2024 an election year, GACC, through its Local Accountability Networks (LANets), carried out youth-focused anti-corruption initiatives in 34 districts across 14 regions.
“Reaching approximately 50,000 young people through activities in tertiary institutions, senior high schools, faith-based groups, youth groups, and community organisations,” Mrs Nartey emphasized.
The activities were further enhanced by a social media campaign that broadened national discussions on electoral integrity, vote-buying, and other forms of election-related corruption.
Building on the success of past campaigns, GACC plans to scale up its youth engagement efforts in 2025. The coalition aims to reach 87 districts across all 16 regions, implementing educational programmes designed to deepen understanding of corruption, encourage whistleblowing, and inspire civic participation among young people.
According to Mrs. Narteh, advocacy activities will also extend to online platforms through a sustained social media campaign that amplifies youth voices and spreads anti-corruption messages nationwide.
These initiatives, she noted, are being implemented with support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the GIZ EU-funded PAIReD Programme.
Mrs. Narteh described empowering the youth as a strategic investment in Ghana’s democratic and socio-economic future.
“At GACC, we believe empowering the youth is not merely education; it is a strategic investment in our nation’s future.
“When young people understand corruption and are equipped to challenge it, they become powerful agents of change,” she stated.
She urged parents, educators, religious leaders, civil society, the media, and public institutions to support efforts that foster integrity among the younger generation.
“To the youth of Ghana, our message is clear: Do not be silent in the face of wrongdoing. Commit to the 3Rs of fighting corruption: Resist, Reject, and Report corruption,” she said. “You are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but also the defenders of integrity today.”
The GACC Executive Secretary closed her remarks with a renewed call for unity in advancing transparency, accountability, and justice, saying, “Together, we can continue building a Ghana anchored in integrity and fairness.”
Source: www.Kumasimail
