Let’s weaponise civic education as an anti-corruption tool – NCCE

Ms Ophelia Nana Yaa Ankrah, Eastern Regional Director of the NCCE, said Ghana must rethink its approach to civic education by transforming it from a passive classroom subject into an active civic tool that equips citizens to detect, expose, and prevent corruption.

"Ghana must be strategic about civic education and transform it from a passive school subject into a progressive, dynamic tool that empowers every citizen to detect, expose, and deter corruption," she said in Koforidua.

Ms Ankrah made the remarks in an interview with Modern Ghana News on the sidelines of an NCCE strategic engagement with members of the Civic Education Club of SDA College of Education, Asokore - Koforidua.

She noted that while civic education has traditionally focused on teaching the structure of government and constitutional provisions, it has not translated into strong civic action and accountability in practice.

"We have taught people what democracy is but not how to use it as a tool to deal with corruption. It is time to change the narrative," she added.

The engagement, held on the theme "Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption", forms part of the Participation, Accountability and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) programme, supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the European Union.

It also aimed to deepen students' understanding of public accountability, ethical leadership, and responsible citizenship, particularly among future educators.

Ms Ankrah stressed that for civic education to be effective in combating corruption, it must be purposeful, dynamic, and practical. She called for the integration of anti-corruption content into the Ghana Education Service curriculum, teacher training institutions, and national service programmes.

"Every SHS graduate should leave knowing how to refuse and report graft," she said.

She further explained that the idea of "weaponised" civic education is not about rhetoric but about creating a society where corruption becomes increasingly difficult to hide or sustain.

"It is not just about preaching honesty; it is about reducing the chances that dishonesty goes undetected. Corruption thrives in darkness and ignorance. Civic education must provide the light," she said.

According to her, Ghana's anti-corruption efforts will only succeed if citizens are actively involved at all levels of society.

"This fight cannot be won by institutions alone. It will be won when every citizen is armed with knowledge, and every classroom, lorry station, and market becomes a checkpoint for accountability," she added.

Other speakers at the event reinforced the message on ethics and accountability.

ASP Augustine Asante Kusi, Eastern Regional Crime Officer of the Ghana Police Service, spoke on conflict of interest and its role in promoting corruption, urging students to prioritise professional ethics over personal gain.

Mr George Adzovie, Eastern Regional Chief Investigator at the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), highlighted the importance of the rule of law and ethical leadership, encouraging students to uphold values such as integrity, transparency, and accountability in public service.

Mr Augustine Bostrotsi, Deputy Eastern Regional Director of the NCCE, addressed issues of influence peddling and abuse of office, explaining their causes, effects, and warning signs. He urged future teachers to uphold integrity and report corruption through the appropriate channels.

The engagement, which brought together students, teachers, and media practitioners, was described as highly interactive, with participants expressing appreciation to the NCCE and its partners for what they described as an insightful and impactful session.

Source: modernghana