Youth urged to reject corruption

Mr Kofi Adjei-Amparbeng, Executive Director of Edu-Media Ghana, has called on young people to reject corruption, emphasising that while its benefits may seem immediate, they are always short-lived, whereas the consequences are lasting and generational.

He encouraged the youth to live by the three Rs, “Resist, Reject and Report” any act of corruption, reminding them that integrity is a lifelong commitment.

Mr Adjei-Amparbeng made these remarks during separate engagements with students across the Eastern Region, as part of activities marking the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day.

This year’s theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” underscores the vital role young people play in building a transparent future.

A total of 3,652 students, comprising 1,747 males and 1,910 females, from selected senior high and basic schools in the Eastern Region.

Among the participating schools were Begoro Anglican A and B Basic Schools, Presbyterian Senior Secondary School, Kyebi State M/A JHS, and Kyebi Presbyterian JHS.

Others included Anyinam Presbyterian JHS, New Jejeti JHS in Atiwa East, Effiduase Methodist JHS and Effiduase Roman JHS.

These initiatives are being carried out with support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the GIZ EU-funded PAIReD Programme.

In a speech delivered on her behalf, Mrs Beauty Emefa Narteh, Executive Secretary of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), stressed that every cedi lost to corruption is a missed opportunity, whether for better schools, improved healthcare, stronger infrastructure, or decent jobs.

She noted that the impact of corruption is most deeply felt by the youth, whose dreams are stifled when the systems meant to support them are compromised.

Mrs Narteh said the 2025 theme resonates strongly with GACC’s mission, saying over the years, the coalition has consistently empowered young people with the knowledge, values, and confidence to uphold integrity and accountability, because shaping Ghana’s future begins with nurturing the conscience of its youth today.

Reflecting on 2024, an election year, she highlighted GACC’s work through its Local Accountability Networks (LANets), which carried out youth-focused anti-corruption engagements in 34 districts across 14 regions.

These efforts reached approximately 50,000 young people through activities in tertiary institutions, senior high schools, faith-based groups, youth organizations, and community groups.

She added that these initiatives were further amplified by a targeted social media campaign that broadened national reach and deepened public discourse on electoral integrity, vote-buying, and election-related corruption.

Building on this momentum, Mrs Narteh announced that 2025 will see a significant expansion of GACC’s youth engagement efforts.

“This year, GACC is rolling out activities in 87 districts across all 16 regions of Ghana. Our goal is to educate young people about the effects of corruption, promote whistleblowing, and foster civic responsibility among citizens committed to transparency and accountability,” she said.

Mrs Narteh said, empowering the youth is more than just education, because it is a strategic investment in the nation’s future.

“When young people understand corruption and are equipped to challenge it, they become powerful agents of change,” she said.

She therefore urged the youth never to remain silent in the face of wrongdoing, encouraging, “You are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but also the defenders of integrity today.”

By: Ben Akoto