Beyond Awareness: NCCE Challenges Women in Ellembelle District to Lead Grassroots Fight Against Corruption

Women have been challenged to move beyond discussions on corruption and become active advocates for integrity and accountability in their homes, workplaces and communities. The call came from the Deputy Western Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Mr. Lan Kwame Tugbenu, during a follow-up women's forum aimed at assessing how participants have applied lessons from previous engagements on the rule of law and the fight against corruption.

Organised under the NCCE's civic education programme, "Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption," the forum provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on their experiences, identify challenges encountered in confronting corrupt practices and explore practical ways of strengthening accountability within their communities.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Tugbenu emphasised that combating corruption requires consistent individual and collective action rather than occasional public campaigns. He encouraged the women to uphold high ethical standards, challenge dishonest practices and use their influence within families, workplaces and community associations to promote transparency and responsible citizenship.

The Deputy Regional Director noted that women occupy important positions within society that enable them to shape attitudes towards integrity and accountability. He therefore urged participants to become ambassadors of ethical conduct, stressing that their commitment to honesty and respect for the rule of law could contribute meaningfully to strengthening democratic governance.

A central feature of the engagement was the opportunity for participants to share how they had applied knowledge acquired during the initial training. Mr. Tugbenu encouraged open discussions about their successes, difficulties and the support required to translate civic education into meaningful action.

"That is why today is your meeting as much as ours. We want to hear how you have used what you learnt. Where did you succeed? Where did you struggle? What kind of support do you still need?" he asked.

Discussions focused on revisiting key lessons from the previous engagement, understanding the application of the rule of law in everyday situations, and sharing practical experiences of identifying and responding to corruption. Particular attention was given to barriers that discourage individuals from reporting corrupt practices and measures that could help overcome such challenges.

Participants were also encouraged to consider how their respective associations could become centres for promoting integrity, accountability and responsible conduct within their communities. The engagement reinforced the importance of sustained civic participation in building a culture where corruption is challenged rather than tolerated.

Also present were the NCCE Ellembelle District Director, Mr. Samuel Aibi, the Ellembelle District Director for Social Welfare, and staff of the Commission.

The follow-up forum reaffirmed the NCCE's commitment to equipping citizens, particularly women, with the knowledge and confidence to promote transparency, uphold the rule of law and contribute to the collective fight against corruption.