GACC, Save Our Environment Foundation train Tano South residents on corruption and accountability
The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), in partnership with the Save Our Environment Foundation, has conducted specialised training on the rule of law and accountability for residents in the Tano South Municipality of the Ahafo Region on Tuesday.
The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) and Save Our Environment Foundation collaborated to train Tano South Municipality residents on anti-corruption measures on Tuesday. The program aimed to empower community members to identify, report, and resist corruption in their localities. Participants learned about various forms of corruption, its detrimental effects on national development, reporting mechanisms for corruption cases, and strategies to demand accountability from public officials.
One resident, Elia Opoku Afriyie, recounted how the training shifted community perceptions of corruption from a normal aspect of life to a serious issue that must be addressed. Jonathan Adu Gyamfi, another participant, pointed out that the lack of proper vehicle licenses and road registrations leads to bribes demanded by law enforcement officers.
Collins Osei, Executive Director of Save Our Environment Foundation, acknowledged that despite extensive public campaigns on radio and community information centers, corruption persists. He advocated for a shift from mass media to smaller group discussions and direct outreach in schools to instill integrity in young people.
This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 16 for Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, SDG 4 for Quality Education, and SDG 10 for Reduced Inequalities. The training tackles a significant issue with substantial economic implications worldwide and specifically in Africa and Ghana.
Globally, corruption costs over US$2.6 trillion annually in illicit financial flows, with over US$1 trillion paid in bribes. In sub-Saharan Africa, corruption costs at least US$148 billion annually, accounting for nearly a quarter of the region's GDP. In Ghana alone, corruption annually diverts about US$3 billion from the national economy, a figure that nearly doubles the country's foreign direct investment inflows and deprives essential infrastructure projects of funding.
Organizers pledged to continue their efforts to cultivate a culture of civic responsibility, integrity, and social accountability among residents and students across the Ahafo region, with a special focus on the Tano South Municipality.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
