NCCE Strengthens Women’s Role in Promoting Accountability and the Rule of Law in Northeast Gonja

The Northeast Gonja District Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has organised a follow-up civic engagement campaign to strengthen the fight against corruption and promote the rule of law among women in the district. Held under the project, “Civic Engagement on the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption”, the programme sought to consolidate the gains made during the initial engagement and empower women to become active advocates for transparency, accountability and the rule of law in their communities. Participants were drawn from various identifiable groups, including traditional authorities, dressmakers’ associations and weavers’ associations, among others.

In her opening remarks, the Northeast Gonja District Director of the NCCE, Mrs. Martha Bagbin, welcomed the participants and underscored the importance of their involvement in promoting accountability and challenging corrupt practices in their communities. The resource person, Mr. Sulemana Fuseini of School for Life, subsequently engaged participants in discussions to assess the progress made since the initial engagement and determine how the knowledge acquired had influenced their understanding of corruption and the rule of law.

During the interaction, some participants recounted how the previous engagement had empowered them to ask questions and seek clarification on activities and payments they had previously accepted without question. They cited instances involving payments demanded during antenatal and postnatal services, as well as requests for money or gifts in exchange for assistance from public officials. Other experiences shared included payments made to teachers or schools without seeking explanations for the charges.

The discussions reinforced the importance of questioning unjustified demands, understanding individual rights and seeking proper explanations before making payments, particularly in situations where transparency and accountability appeared to be lacking. Mr. Fuseini encouraged the participants to apply the principles of the rule of law in their daily lives, resist corruption, demand accountability and promote ethical conduct within their associations and communities.

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Bagbin urged participants to take an active role in identifying, resisting, reporting and preventing corrupt practices. She further emphasised the importance of understanding existing legal protections and reporting mechanisms available to individuals who speak out against corruption. Participants were also encouraged to serve as peer educators and advocates for integrity, transparency, accountability and the rule of law within their respective associations and communities. The engagement concluded with participants having gained further knowledge to challenge improper practices, promote ethical behaviour and contribute meaningfully to the fight against corruption at the community level.