NCCE EMPOWERS WOMEN IN SEFWI WIAWSO TO REPORT CORRUPTION AND UPHOLD THE RULE OF LAW

Women’s groups in Sefwi Wiawso have been encouraged to report corruption through lawful channels and make use of protections available to whistleblowers.

The call came during a follow-up engagement organised by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) at the Ghana Health Service Conference Hall under its project, “Civic Engagements on the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption.”

The session focused on transparency, accountability, civic responsibility and the role of citizens in preventing corruption. Participants received guidance on reporting procedures and legal safeguards against retaliation.

The NCCE explained that sustained engagement is necessary to turn awareness into action. Building on an earlier session with women’s groups, the programme offered participants an opportunity to discuss their experiences, clarify misconceptions and address barriers to reporting wrongdoing.

These barriers include fear of victimisation, uncertainty about reporting procedures and social pressures that discourage individuals from speaking out. The Commission emphasised that empowering women with practical knowledge can strengthen accountability within families, workplaces and communities.

The NCCE Municipal Director, Mr. Laud Swanzy, urged participants to familiarise themselves with the Whistleblower Act (Act 720) and the protections it provides against reprisals. He encouraged them to report suspected wrongdoing using established channels.

The Western North Regional Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Mr. Bernard Owusu Afriyie, similarly urged citizens not to allow fear to prevent them from reporting corruption. He stressed that public participation remains essential to tackling corrupt practices.

The activity forms part of the Participation, Accountability and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) programme, commissioned by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and implemented by GIZ in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance.

The engagement reinforced the message that fighting corruption requires both institutional action and citizens willing to uphold integrity and demand accountability.