TI-Ghana Builds Capacity of CSOs and Media to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Efforts in Upper East Region

Transparency International Ghana (TI-Ghana) organised a one-day capacity-building workshop for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and media practitioners in the Upper East Region to enhance their role in the fight against corruption.

The training was held under the theme: “Strengthening the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption in Ghana” and formed part of the Participation, Accountability, Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIRed) project, supported by the European Union (EU) through GIZ across 60 districts.

The initiative aims to promote accountability, integrity, and transparency in governance by fostering collaboration between state and non-state actors at national and sub-national levels.

Mrs Mary Awelana Addah, Executive Director of TI-Ghana, noted that the project seeks to create synergy among anti-corruption institutions and advocacy groups, ensuring coordinated action and civic engagement. She highlighted that women and marginalised groups are disproportionately affected by corruption, particularly through sextortion and sexual exploitation.

Mrs Addah emphasised that anti-corruption efforts require time, diligence, and coordination, cautioning against expecting immediate results from initiatives like Operation Recover All Loot. She called for the strict enforcement of asset declaration laws to hold political office holders and bureaucrats accountable.

Mr Victus Azeem, Anti-Corruption Advocate and workshop facilitator, stressed that Ghana has adequate legal frameworks but suffers from weak enforcement and a lack of political will.

He underscored the essential role of CSOs and the media in sustaining anti-corruption advocacy, urging participants to apply workshop knowledge to strengthen advocacy, build networks, and mobilise communities to demand transparency at the local level.