GACC Pushes for Youth-Led Anti-Corruption Efforts in Ghana

The Executive Secretary of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), Mrs Emefa Beauty Nartey, has rallied Ghanaians to unite in the fight against corruption, emphasizing the crucial role of young people in fostering a transparent and accountable nation.

Mrs Nartey delivered this message on Monday, December 8, in observance of the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day.

She highlighted that corruption continues to undermine institutions, impede development, and erode public trust, with the most severe consequences felt by the youth. “Every cedi lost to corruption is a missed opportunity for better schools, improved healthcare, stronger infrastructure, and decent jobs,” Mrs Nartey stated. “The dreams of our youth are constrained when systems meant to serve them are compromised.”

The theme for this year, ‘Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,’ reflects the GACC’s dedication to empowering young people as advocates for accountability.

According to Mrs Nartey, the GACC has significantly invested in equipping young people with the knowledge, values, and confidence to challenge corrupt practices. In 2024, through its Local Accountability Networks (LANets), the organization conducted youth-focused anti-corruption initiatives in 34 districts across 14 regions, reaching approximately 50,000 young individuals.

These engagements spanned tertiary institutions, senior high schools, faith-based organizations, youth groups, and community networks. A concurrent social media campaign amplified discussions on electoral integrity, vote-buying, and related corrupt activities.

Building on this progress, the GACC has announced an expanded campaign for 2025, extending its reach to 87 districts in all 16 regions. This initiative aims to educate young people about the detrimental effects of corruption, promote whistleblowing, and cultivate civic responsibility. A parallel social media campaign will further amplify youth voices and disseminate anti-corruption messages nationwide. The campaign is supported by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the GIZ EU-funded PAIReD Programme.

Mrs Nartey stressed that empowering the youth is not merely an educational endeavor but a strategic investment in Ghana’s future. “When young people understand corruption and are equipped to challenge it, they become powerful agents of change,” she explained, urging parents, teachers, religious leaders, media practitioners, public institutions, civil society organizations, and community leaders to support young people in upholding integrity.

Addressing Ghana’s youth directly, Mrs Nartey implored them: “Do not be silent in the face of wrongdoing. Commit to the 3Rs of fighting corruption: Resist, Reject, and Report. You are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but also the defenders of integrity today.”

She reaffirmed the GACC’s unwavering commitment to building a nation founded on transparency, accountability, and justice.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE