NCCE Engages Learners in Tema on Integrity and the Fight Against Corruption

As part of activities marking the 25th African Anti-Corruption Day, the Tema Metropolitan Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) engaged learners of First Star Academy Junior High School and SOS Hermann Gmeiner Junior High School on the importance of integrity and the fight against corruption.

The engagement was, respectively, formed part of a nationwide youth-focused initiative coordinated by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) and supported by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation to promote integrity and strengthen anti-corruption efforts among young people.

Under the theme, “Scaling Up the Promotion of Integrity and Anti-Corruption Actions Across Africa,” the Tema West Municipal Director of the NCCE and Director in charge of the Tema Metropolitan Office, Mr. Fidel N. A. Bortey, educated the learners on the importance of integrity, accountability, and responsible citizenship in preventing corruption.

Mr. Bortey introduced the learners to Ghana’s efforts to combat corruption, including the transition from the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP) to the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NEACAP). He explained that the initiative demonstrates Ghana’s commitment to strengthening ethical conduct and anti-corruption measures.

The interactive sessions allowed learners to define corruption, identify corrupt practices in their schools and communities, and share personal experiences. They cited examination malpractice, bribery and queue-jumping as examples of corruption, while some also shared experiences involving blackmail, abuse of trust and unfair treatment.

Mr. Bortey emphasized that integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching. He encouraged the learners to uphold honesty, fairness and accountability in their daily activities.

He also highlighted the Whistleblower Act, 2006 (Act 720), and the Witness Protection Act, 2018 (Act 975), noting that Ghana’s legal framework provides protection for individuals who report corrupt practices.

The engagements underscored the need to nurture a new generation of responsible citizens who will uphold integrity and actively contribute to the fight against corruption in their schools, homes and communities.