Mankessim Catholic A and B schools in the Central Region of Ghana have embarked on an educational initiative to raise awareness against corruption.
The engagement, held in commemoration of the 2023 International Anti-Corruption Day, aimed to instil in the youth a sense of collective responsibility in combating corruption.
The event, organized by Lamaconsult Foundation in collaboration with Mfantseman Local Accountability Network (LANet) and sponsored by Good Governance Africa and Hewlett Foundation, brought together students, educators, and prominent figures, including Professor Mark Nii Lamptey, the Focal person for Anti-Corruption in the Mfantseman Local Area.
This year's celebration centred around the theme, “United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC); Uniting the World against Corruption.”
The theme underscored the interconnectedness of anti-corruption measures, peace, development, and the collective obligation to combat corruption across various sectors.
Professor Lamptey, addressing the students, emphasized the importance of their role as active participants in the fight against corruption.
He encouraged them to be bold in reporting incidents of corruption to the authorities, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
Highlighting the significance of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), Professor Lamptey pointed out that corruption undermines democratic institutions, hampers economic progress, erodes the rule of law, and diminishes the quality of life for citizens globally.
He commended Ghana for its strides in combating corruption and stressed the need for continuous efforts.
Despite the progress made, Professor Lamptey acknowledged that challenges persisted, and he called on the youth to keep a vigilant eye on government activities. He urged them to ask the right questions, hold elected officials accountable, and stand firm against corruption.
The initiative also involved the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), which, with support from Good Governance Africa and Hewlett Foundation, has been educating and empowering Ghanaian youth across 33 districts on the significance of combating corruption.
