NCCE, Police and Legal Aid Officers Mentor PRESEC Begoro Students on Ethical Leadership

The assembly hall of Presbyterian Senior High School, Begoro, became a platform for civic education on 24th April 2026, as students gathered for a forum on ethical public service, responsible citizenship, and good governance.

The programme brought together resource persons from the National Commission for Civic Education, the Ghana Police Service, and the Legal Aid Commission to engage students on key issues relating to integrity, accountability, and leadership.

Delivering the first presentation, the District Director of the NCCE, Ms. Cynthia Essel, educated the students on conflict of interest in public and institutional decision-making. She explained that conflict of interest occurs when personal interests, relationships, or private benefits interfere with official duties and affect fair judgment.

Ms. Essel encouraged the students to cultivate integrity and learn to separate private interests from public responsibilities. She noted that young people must develop strong ethical values early in life in order to become responsible leaders who can serve society with honesty and fairness.

The second presentation was delivered by ASP Mrs. Dora Nortsu of the Ghana Police Service, who spoke on influence peddling and abuse of office. Using practical examples, she explained how the misuse of authority, favouritism, and the trading of influence for personal gain can undermine public trust, weaken institutions, and contribute to corruption.

ASP Nortsu urged the students to uphold honesty, fairness, and discipline in their daily activities. She reminded them that leadership, whether in school or public life, must be exercised in the interest of others and not for personal advantage.

Addressing the students on the rule of law and ethical leadership standards, Ms. Lordina K. M. Boateng of the Legal Aid Commission highlighted the importance of constitutional laws in protecting citizens’ rights and maintaining social order. She explained that effective leadership must be grounded in transparency, accountability, equality before the law, and respect for the rights of others.

The forum ended with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which students engaged the speakers on issues relating to leadership, ethics, integrity, and good governance.

Participants were encouraged to apply the lessons learned in their daily lives and future careers by promoting accountability, resisting corruption, respecting the rule of law, and serving as ambassadors of responsible citizenship.