GACC Marks International Anti-Corruption Day, Rallies Youth to Champion Integrity
The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) has renewed its call for stronger national commitment to the fight against corruption as the world commemorates the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of GACC, Mrs. Beauty Emefa Narteh, emphasised that corruption continues to drain public resources, weaken state institutions, widen inequality, and erode public trust—directly affecting national development. She noted that every cedi lost to corruption represents a missed opportunity for improved education, quality healthcare, better infrastructure, and decent jobs.
“This year’s theme, ‘Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity’, reflects the heart of our work,” she said, stressing the pivotal role of young people in shaping a future grounded in integrity and accountability.
Highlighting achievements from 2024, an election year, Mrs. Narteh said GACC, through its Local Accountability Networks (LANets), carried out youth-focused anti-corruption initiatives in 34 districts across 14 regions. Approximately 50,000 young people were engaged through activities in tertiary institutions, senior high schools, youth groups, faith-based organisations, and various community groups. A nationwide social media campaign further deepened public conversations on electoral integrity, vote-buying, and election-related corruption.
She announced a major scale-up of activities for 2025, with GACC set to roll out its youth-focused campaign in 87 districts across all 16 regions. The initiative aims to educate young people on the impact of corruption, encourage whistleblowing, and promote civic responsibility. A complementary social media campaign will also be deployed to amplify youth voices and spread anti-corruption messages across digital platforms.
These interventions are supported by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the GIZ EU-funded PAIReD Programme.
Mrs. Narteh underscored that empowering the youth is a strategic investment in Ghana’s future. She called on parents, educators, religious and community leaders, public institutions, civil society groups, and the media to continuously support the youth as they champion integrity and justice.
To Ghanaian youth, she delivered a clear message: “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 the defenders of integrity today.”
