The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), through the Ellembelle Local Accountability Network (LANet), has stepped up efforts to instil the values of integrity, accountability, and ethical leadership among young people by engaging pupils from Basake Agyalu Kronzu D/A Junior High School and Nana Akye Blay D/A Junior High School at Menzezor in commemoration of the 2026 African Anti-Corruption Day.
The engagement formed part of GACC’s nationwide Youth Voices Open Forum, organised under the African Union’s 2026 theme, “Scaling Up the Promotion of Integrity and Anti-Corruption Actions Across Africa.” The initiative seeks to equip young people with the knowledge and confidence to resist corruption and contribute meaningfully to the promotion of transparency and good governance.
Addressing pupils at Basake Agyalu Kronzu D/A Junior High School, facilitators led interactive discussions on the meaning of corruption, its adverse effects on national development, and the importance of living lives anchored on honesty and integrity. The pupils identified examination malpractice as one of the most common forms of corruption within the educational system and shared their perspectives on the challenges associated with reporting wrongdoing.
Facilitators assured the pupils that Ghana’s whistleblower protection framework provides safeguards for individuals who report corruption, encouraging them to remain bold and committed to speaking up against unethical practices.
At Nana Akye Blay D/A Junior High School in Menzezor, pupils explored various forms of corruption, including bribery, fraud, embezzlement, favouritism, conflicts of interest, and examination cheating. They were challenged to uphold integrity in their daily lives and become role models capable of inspiring positive behavioural change within their schools and communities.
During both engagements, pupils were introduced to GACC’s 3Rs of Fighting Corruption—Resist, Reject and Report. Facilitators explained practical ways of resisting corrupt practices and educated participants on institutions responsible for receiving corruption-related complaints, including the Ghana Police Service, headteachers, District Assemblies, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), and traditional authorities. They were also informed about toll-free reporting channels available to the public.
The interactive sessions gave pupils the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and reflect on the impact corruption has on education, families, and national development. Their active participation demonstrated a growing understanding that the fight against corruption requires the collective commitment of every citizen, regardless of age.
Commending the enthusiasm displayed by the pupils and school authorities, the Ellembelle Local Accountability Network reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition’s mission of nurturing a new generation of integrity champions who will help build a transparent, accountable, and corruption-free Ghana.
The African Anti-Corruption Day activities were implemented with support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation as part of GACC’s nationwide campaign to strengthen integrity and promote citizen participation in the fight against corruption.
Story by: Benedict Lemaire Agyenkwah