The Oforikrom Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has engaged 50 women in a civic education forum aimed at deepening their understanding of the rule of law and empowering them to play active roles in combating corruption within their communities.
The programme, held under the theme “Civic Engagement on the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption,” forms part of the Commission’s wider initiative to educate women on their civic rights and responsibilities while equipping them to identify, resist, and report corrupt practices that threaten their socio-economic wellbeing.
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Ms Rosina Owoo, the Oforikrom Municipal Director of the NCCE, highlighted the vital role women play in national development through economic, domestic and reproductive contributions. She noted that while the 1992 Constitution acknowledges the special needs of women, it also places responsibilities on them as citizens.
She urged participants to honour civic duties such as paying taxes, stressing that these contributions fund schools, hospitals, roads and other essential amenities. She further encouraged women to be law-abiding, report crimes, foster unity, protect public property, and practise good environmental hygiene, which she said is closely linked to public health.
A resource person from the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Mr Samuel Appiah, led discussions on women’s rights, the Whistleblowers Act, access to justice and the various forms of corruption. He said women are entitled to all universal and special rights, including political, economic, educational and reproductive rights.
However, he noted that limited education, gender inequality and lack of awareness often expose women to higher risks of corruption and exploitation. Mr Appiah urged participants to familiarise themselves with the law to better protect themselves.
He explained different types of corruption, including sextortion, extortion, bribery and embezzlement, cautioning women to remain vigilant in their daily interactions. On access to justice, he reiterated that all citizens are entitled to fair treatment before the law, encouraging women to use institutions such as CHRAJ and the Legal Aid Commission, which offer free legal services to citizens seeking justice.
