NCCE Empowers Youth Leaders in Northeast Region to Promote Ethical Leadership and Rule of Law

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), through its North East Regional Office, has organised a Youth Leaders’ Empowerment Dialogue at the College of Education, Gambaga, to strengthen the capacity of student leaders to promote transparency, accountability, ethical leadership and the rule of law within their institutions and communities.

Organised under the Participation, Accountability and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) Programme, the engagement was supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and co-financed by the European Union and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). The programme is being implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Ghana in partnership with the NCCE.

Participating in the dialogue were student leaders from tertiary institutions across the North East Region, including representatives of Students’ Representative Councils, Civic Education Clubs, student political groups, youth associations and civil society organisations. Discussions focused on deepening their understanding of democratic governance, ethical leadership and integrity in public life.

Addressing the gathering, the North East Regional Director of the NCCE, Mr. Wilberforce Zangina, underscored the important role of young leaders in advancing good governance and building a culture of integrity. He urged participants to demonstrate ethical leadership, uphold accountability and serve as ambassadors of responsible citizenship in their institutions and communities.

Commending the NCCE and its development partners, the Guest of Honour and Dean of Students at the College of Education, Gambaga, Dr. Chalisung Isung Bernard, described the dialogue as an important investment in youth leadership. He encouraged participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their leadership roles and inspire positive change among their peers.

Providing insight into public-sector ethics, a Senior Investigator at the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, Mr. Abdul Latif Iddi, delivered presentations on “Conflict of Interest in Public and Institutional Decision-Making” and “Influence Peddling and Abuse of Office.” He explained the legal and ethical implications of conflicts of interest, highlighted the dangers of influence peddling and abuse of office, and encouraged participants to uphold fairness, integrity and accountability in decision-making.

Focusing on the relationship between leadership and lawful conduct, the Deputy North East Regional Director of the NCCE, Mr. Gariba Sato, facilitated a session on “Rule of Law, Leadership and Ethics.” He emphasised that ethical leadership must be grounded in respect for the law, fairness, accountability and responsible conduct.

Challenging the student leaders to become positive examples, Mr. Sato urged them to demonstrate honesty, discipline and integrity in both their academic pursuits and leadership responsibilities.

Following the presentations, participants engaged the facilitators through questions, shared experiences and explored practical ways of promoting transparency, accountability and ethical leadership within their institutions.

By the close of the dialogue, participants had reaffirmed their commitment to championing integrity, upholding ethical standards and serving as advocates for transparent, accountable and responsible leadership in their institutions and communities.