The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), through the Nzema East Local Accountability Network (LANet), has stepped up efforts to instill the values of transparency, accountability and integrity among young people through an anti-corruption awareness campaign held at Axim Girls Senior High School and Axim Technical Institute in the Western Region.
The engagement formed part of activities marking the 2026 African Anti-Corruption Day, which is being observed under the African Union’s theme, “Scaling Up the Promotion of Integrity and Anti-Corruption Actions Across Africa.” The campaign was implemented as part of GACC’s nationwide outreach across 85 districts in all 16 regions of Ghana and also coincided with the Coalition’s 25th anniversary of advancing transparency, accountability and good governance.
Addressing students during the programme, facilitators emphasized that integrity should be a personal commitment and a way of life rather than merely complying with rules. They explained how corruption undermines national development, weakens public institutions and erodes public trust, urging students to become ambassadors of ethical leadership in their schools and communities.
The interactive sessions encouraged participants to openly discuss corruption-related issues affecting society, share their experiences and propose practical ways of promoting honesty, fairness and accountability among their peers.
Students were introduced to the campaign’s 3Rs – Resist, Reject and Report Corruption – and educated on the protections available under Ghana’s Whistleblower Act and Witness Protection Act for individuals who report corrupt practices.
Many participants described the programme as insightful and inspiring, noting that it had broadened their understanding of the consequences of corruption and the importance of upholding integrity in their daily lives. They pledged to reject examination malpractice, respect school rules, promote honesty and encourage their colleagues to embrace ethical values.
According to GACC, the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to empower young people with the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to become champions of transparency, accountability and good governance.
As Ghana joins the rest of the continent in commemorating the 2026 African Anti-Corruption Day, the Coalition renewed its call on citizens, particularly the youth, to make integrity a personal responsibility by embracing the campaign’s enduring message: “Integrity Starts with You – Resist, Reject and Report Corruption.”
Story by: Benedict Lemaire Agyenkwah