The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) has launched a campaign aimed at empowering the youth of the Upper West Region to take a stand against corruption in all its forms. The initiative seeks to build an inclusive nation by promoting equitable access to resources and opportunities for all, particularly the youth who are often the most affected by corruption.
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The Impact of Corruption on Development
Corruption continues to undermine Ghana’s development, perpetuating inequality and eroding public trust in institutions. The GACC highlighted that young people bear the brunt of these consequences, which further fuels the need for a collective and proactive stance against corruption.
“The GACC recognises that empowering youth to stand against corruption is a critical step toward building a fairer, more inclusive Ghana,” said Mrs. Beauty Emefa Narteh, the Executive Secretary of the GACC, in a speech read on her behalf during the corruption sensitisation campaign in Wa. The campaign was part of the 2025 African Union Anti-Corruption Day celebration, themed “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”
Engaging the Next Generation
The GACC engaged students at the Northern Star Senior High School and Wa Technical Institute, encouraging them to actively participate in fighting corruption by “Resisting, Rejecting, and Reporting” corrupt activities. This initiative aligns with the African Union’s renewed call for bold, inclusive, and united action to combat corruption across the continent.
Raising Awareness and Promoting Civic Engagement
Supported by the Hewlett Foundation, the GACC aims to raise awareness about corruption, promote civic engagement, and encourage whistleblowing through its anti-corruption campaign. Mrs. Narteh stressed the devastating impact of corruption on Ghana’s development, referencing the 2023 Auditor-General’s Report, which revealed that the country lost over GH¢11 billion to financial irregularities. These funds, she noted, could have been invested in critical sectors like education, healthcare, and job creation.
The Cost of Corruption on Youth Opportunities
“Corruption disrupts access to quality education, reduces job prospects, limits opportunities, and undermines trust in public systems,” Mrs. Narteh explained. “These realities make it more challenging for young people to envision a future built on fairness and integrity.” The GACC plans to utilise platforms such as schools, religious institutions, and community media to encourage young people to lead with integrity and demand accountability.
Leveraging Anti-Corruption Legislation
Ms. Amanda Wiesekor Tembile, a GACC Local Accountability Network (LANet) Executive Member in Wa, introduced the students to Ghana’s Anti-Corruption legislations, including the Whistleblower Act 2006 (Act 720). She encouraged the students to utilise these laws to expose corruption, while emphasising that whistleblowers are protected under the law.
Ms. Tembile urged the students to take personal responsibility in fighting corruption, reminding them that it starts with resisting, rejecting, and reporting corrupt practices to the appropriate authorities.
Inspiring Youth Leadership in the Fight Against Corruption
The GACC’s campaign in the Upper West Region is a vital step in engaging the youth in the fight against corruption. By empowering students with the knowledge and tools to resist and report corruption, the coalition is helping to build a generation of young leaders committed to integrity and fairness.
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