“Resist, Reject, Report”: GACC calls on youth to shape Ghana’s future with integrity

The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) has called on young people across the country to take a frontline role in the national fight against corruption as the world marks the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day today.

Mrs. Beauty Emefa Narteh, Executive Secretary of GACC, in her executive summary as part of the celebrations of this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day, said corruption continues to drain public resources, weaken institutions, widen inequality, and deny citizens, especially the youth better opportunities for growth and development. She noted that every cedi lost to corruption is a missed chance to improve schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation.

“As we mark the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day, we join the global community in renewing our
collective commitment to the fight against corruption, a struggle central to Ghana’s development, social justice,
and democratic progress. Corruption continues to drain public resources, weaken institutions, increase
inequality, and erode public trust.

“Every cedi lost is a missed opportunity for better schools, improved
healthcare, stronger infrastructure, and decent jobs. Its impact is felt most by our youth, whose dreams are
limited when the systems meant to serve them are compromised.”

Speaking on this year’s theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” Mrs. Narteh stated that Ghana’s future depends on the values and conscience instilled in young people today. She revealed that GACC has over the years empowered thousands of young people with the knowledge and courage to uphold integrity and accountability.

“This year’s theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” resonates deeply
with GACC’s work. Over the years, we have continuously empowered young people with knowledge, values,
and confidence to uphold integrity and accountability, because shaping Ghana’s future begins with nurturing
the conscience of our youth today.”

In 2024, GACC worked through its Local Accountability Networks in 34 districts across 14 regions, reaching about 50,000 young people through engagements in tertiary institutions, senior high schools, youth groups, and community organisations. A targeted social media campaign further deepened public conversations on vote-buying and electoral integrity.

Mrs. Narteh announced that the coalition is expanding its youth-focused activities in 2025 to 87 districts in all 16 regions. The initiative aims to educate young people on the dangers of corruption, promote whistleblowing, and strengthen civic responsibility. Social media campaigns will also continue to amplify youth voices and spread anti-corruption messages nationwide.

“Building upon this strong foundation, 2025 will see a significant expansion of our youth-focused campaign.
This year, GACC is rolling out activities in 87 districts across all 16 regions of Ghana. Our engagements aim to
educate young people about the effects of corruption, promote whistleblowing, and foster civic responsibility
as citizens committed to transparency and accountability. Alongside the community outreach, a social media
campaign will continue to amplify youth voices and spread anti-corruption messages across digital platforms.”

She acknowledged the support of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the GIZ EU-funded PAIReD Programme for enabling GACC to scale up its work.

“These activities are being undertaken with the support of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the
GIZ EU funded PAIReD Programme.”

She further appealed to parents, teachers, religious leaders, the media, and community heads to support the youth as they stand for transparency and accountability. She urged young people not to remain silent when they witness wrongdoing, stressing the need to “Resist, Reject, and Report” corruption.

According to her, empowering the youth is not only education but a strategic investment in Ghana’s future, noting that young people who understand corruption become powerful agents of change.

“At GACC, we believe empowering the youth is not merely education; it is a strategic investment in our nation’s
future. When young people understand corruption and are equipped to challenge it, they become powerful
agents of change.

“We therefore call on parents, teachers, religious leaders, the media, public institutions, civil
society, and community leaders to continue supporting our youth as they stand up for integrity and justice.
And to the youth of Ghana, our message is clear: Do not be silent in the face of wrongdoing. Commit to the 3Rs
of fighting corruption: Resist, Reject”

Source: Ghanaweb.mobi