NCCE educates pupils on corruption to mark International Anti-Corruption Day – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

On 9 December 2025, the International Anti‑Corruption Day (IACD) was celebrated worldwide to deepen public awareness of corruption and to strengthen collective action against it. In Ghana, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) partnered with the Ghana Anti‑Corruption Coalition (GACC) to launch a youth‑focused campaign at First Star Academy and SOS Hermann Gmeiner Junior High School in Tema. The initiative aimed to equip students with the knowledge, values, and tools needed to identify, resist, and report corrupt practices. This article examines the event, its objectives, the collaborative framework, and the broader implications for Ghana’s anti‑corruption landscape.

Key Points

Background

International Anti‑Corruption Day

Established by the United Nations in 2003, IACD is observed annually on 9 December. Its purpose is to promote transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption in all sectors. Countries worldwide host awareness campaigns, policy dialogues, and educational programmes to align with the day’s call for integrity.

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE)

The NCCE is a statutory body in Ghana tasked with fostering democratic values, civic consciousness, and good governance among citizens. Its responsibilities include curriculum development, public awareness campaigns, and the promotion of transparency and accountability at all levels of society.

Ghana Anti‑Corruption Coalition (GACC)

GACC is a multi‑sectoral coalition comprising government agencies, civil society organisations, and private sector stakeholders. Its mandate is to coordinate anti‑corruption policy implementation, provide technical assistance, and run public education initiatives to curb corruption in Ghana.

Supporting International Partners

The workshop received additional backing from the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ), the European Union, the William & Flora Hewlett Foundation, and Ghana’s Ministry of Finance. These partners contributed funding, expertise, and logistical support to ensure the campaign’s success.

Analysis

Impact of Youth Education on Corruption

Research consistently demonstrates that early civic education shapes long‑term attitudes toward corruption. By engaging students during formative years, the NCCE and GACC can instil core values such as integrity, fairness, and responsibility. When adolescents internalise the cost of corruption—both socially and personally—they become less likely to participate in or tolerate corrupt acts in adulthood. Moreover, educated youth are more capable of recognising subtle forms of corruption, such as nepotism and favouritism, and are better equipped to act as watchdogs within their communities.

Collaborative Efforts and Funding Mechanisms

The partnership model exemplified by the IACD workshops showcases a holistic approach: the NCCE provides the curriculum framework, GACC offers anti‑corruption expertise, and international donors supply the necessary resources. This synergy ensures that the programme is both locally relevant and globally informed. The inclusion of the Ministry of Finance underscores the government’s commitment to a transparent fiscal environment, while the involvement of private foundations signals a shared societal responsibility for integrity.

Legal Foundations: Whistleblower and Witness Protection Acts

During the workshops, Madam Gifty Agyeiwaa Badu, the NCCE’s Tema Metropolitan Director, explained Ghana’s statutory safeguards for whistleblowers. The Whistleblower Act (Act 720, 2006) protects individuals who disclose corruption from retaliation, while the Witness Protection Act (Act 975, 2018) provides confidentiality and security to those who testify against corrupt practices. By familiarising students with these laws, the programme empowers future citizens to act confidently when confronting corruption.

Practical Advice

How Schools Can Replicate the Programme

1. Integrate Anti‑Corruption Modules into the Curriculum – Embed lessons on bribery, nepotism, and public accountability within subjects such as Social Studies, Economics, and Ethics.
2. Partner with Civil Society – Collaborate with organisations like GACC to provide expert speakers, real‑world case studies, and training materials.
3. Leverage International Donors – Seek funding from agencies such as GIZ, the EU, and philanthropic foundations to support workshops, resource development, and teacher training.
4. Encourage Interactive Learning – Use role‑plays, debates, and simulation games to help students practise identifying and responding to corrupt scenarios.
5. Establish a Reporting Mechanism – Create a confidential channel within the school (e.g., a suggestion box or digital portal) where students can report observed corruption.

Tools for Whistleblowing and Civic Engagement

• Online Platforms – National whistleblowing portals and hotlines allow citizens to lodge complaints anonymously.
• Community Outreach – Organise neighbourhood meetings to discuss local corruption issues and potential solutions.
• Legal Aid Clinics – Partner with law schools to provide pro bono support for whistleblowers seeking protection.
• Social Media Campaigns – Use hashtags like #IACD2025, #AntiCorruption, and #YouthAgainstCorruption to amplify awareness.

FAQ

Conclusion

The collaboration between the NCCE and GACC in Tema demonstrates the power of civic education to counter corruption at its roots. By engaging secondary‑school students in meaningful dialogue, clarifying legal protections, and fostering a culture of whistle‑blowing, Ghana is investing in a future where transparency and accountability are embedded in everyday life. As the country continues to implement IACD activities, the lessons learned from this partnership can guide other schools, districts, and even national policy makers in building a corruption‑free society.

Sources

• National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) – Official website and press releases.
• Ghana Anti‑Corruption Coalition (GACC) – Annual reports and policy briefs.
• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime – International Anti‑Corruption Day factsheet.
• GIZ – Programme documentation on anti‑corruption capacity building.
• European Union – Information on EU support for anti‑corruption initiatives in Ghana.
• Whistleblower Act, 2006 (Act 720).
• Witness Protection Act, 2018 (Act 975).
• Ministry of Finance, Ghana – Budget allocations for anti‑corruption programmes.