Students from Aiyinasi Methodist Junior High School and Uthman Bin Affan Islamic Senior High School in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region learned about corruption, whistleblowing, and the laws protecting citizens who expose wrongdoing as part of activities to observe the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD).
The program, organized by the Ellembelle Local Accountability Network (LANet) in partnership with United Civil Society Organizations for National Development (UCSOND) on behalf of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) and supported by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the EU, and GIZ, took place on Tuesday, December 10, 2025, to empower young people to resist, reject, and report corruption.
Addressing the students, the facilitators explained corruption in relatable, straightforward terms, using both English and local expressions. Participants were encouraged to identify everyday behaviours that constitute corruption and were guided to understand how such acts negatively affect individuals, institutions, and national development. Students actively participated by citing examples such as bribery, dishonesty, and misuse of resources in both public and private institutions.
The sensitization also highlighted whistleblowing, a concept many students initially found unfamiliar. Using practical examples, facilitators explained whistleblowing as reporting misconduct to the appropriate authorities. Students were also introduced to the Whistleblower Act, 2006 (Act 720), which guarantees confidentiality and protection for whistleblowers and provides a reward of up to 10 percent of recovered funds in cases where disclosures lead to financial recovery.
Participants were also introduced to the Witness Protection Act, 2018 (Act 975), which shields witnesses, whistleblowers, and their families from threats, intimidation, and harm. The facilitators assured students that these laws are designed to protect citizens who serve the public interest.
Speaking at Aiyinasi Methodist JHS, the Headteacher, Mr. Obed Eshun Kayah, expressed appreciation for the program, calling it highly educational. He mentioned that it was his first time learning about the Witness Protection Act and commended GACC and LANet for their efforts to promote integrity among the youth.
At Uthman Bin Affan Islamic Senior High School, students shared real-life experiences in which whistleblowing led to corrective actions within the school, underscoring the practical importance of awareness.
The program also stressed the importance of young people in combating corruption. Students were encouraged to speak out when they witness misconduct, use social media responsibly, and hold leaders accountable. To reinforce this message, LANet introduced a slogan among students: “YOUTH… BLOW THE WHISTLE AGAINST CORRUPTION.”
Educational materials, such as flyers, pens, and T-shirts, were distributed to students who actively participated in the sessions. The event was covered by Daily Guide and West End Radio, helping to spread the anti-corruption message throughout the district and the country.
The International Anti-Corruption Day is observed worldwide on December 9 each year to raise awareness about corruption and promote integrity, transparency, and accountability. The Ellembelle LANet engagement is part of GACC’s nationwide efforts to observe the day and boost citizen participation in the fight against corruption.
Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) on X (@GACC_GHANA), Facebook (Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition), Instagram (Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition), and LinkedIn (Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition).Hewlett Foundation on X (@Hewlett_Found), Facebook (William and Flora Hewlett Foundation), and LinkedIn (William and Flora Hewlett Foundation).African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption on X (@AUABC) and Facebook (African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption) African Union on X (@_AfricanUnion), Facebook (African Union), Instagram (African Union (AU)), and LinkedIn (African Union) The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), the Electoral Commission (EC),
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Story by: Kwame Bujey (LANet Member and Media personality).
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