The Sagnarigu Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has engaged women’s groups in the municipality on anti-corruption measures and reporting mechanisms to promote accountability, integrity and ethical leadership.
The programme sought to deepen participants’ understanding of governance, institutional accountability, and their responsibilities in combating corruption to strengthen integrity and encourage active participation in national development.
The engagement formed part of activities under the Strengthening the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption in Ghana Programme, implemented through the Participation, Accountability and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) initiative with support from the European Union and the German Development Cooperation.
Mr Abdulai Soale, Sagnarigu Municipal Director of the NCCE, speaking during the event in Tamale, said the programme was important in empowering women with the knowledge and confidence needed to contribute meaningfully to the fight against corruption.
He said equipping women with information on their civic rights and responsibilities would enable them to demand accountability from public officials and promote transparency within their communities.
Mr Abdul-Wahab Abdul-Wasiu, Investigations Officer at the Sagnarigu Municipal Directorate of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), said women’s understanding of corruption and reporting procedures was crucial because of their frequent interactions with public institutions.
He noted that women often accessed services from schools, health facilities, the Police, local government institutions and workplaces, where they could encounter demands for unofficial payments or favours.
Mr Abdul-Wasiu explained that corruption could divert resources from essential services such as healthcare, education, water supply and social support programmes, thereby affecting women, their families and other vulnerable groups.
He said women should not only be viewed as victims of corruption but also as community leaders, traders, professionals, workers and citizens capable of promoting integrity and holding public officials accountable.
Mr Abdul-Wasiu advised participants to carefully document facts relating to suspected corruption cases, including dates, locations, persons involved and any payments or favours requested, while distinguishing between incidents they had personally witnessed and information obtained from other sources.
He encouraged them to preserve lawfully obtained evidence, including receipts, text messages, emails and other relevant documents, and to use appropriate reporting channels while avoiding actions that could compromise their safety.
Mr Abdul-Wasiu further called for accessible, confidential and safe reporting mechanisms that addressed women’s specific needs, including language barriers, disability access, transportation costs, childcare responsibilities and limited internet access.
Madam Zelia Issah, a participant, commended the NCCE and its partners for the initiative, saying it would strengthen women’s active participation in governance and national development.
She said women had important roles to play in promoting responsible leadership and ensuring that public institutions remained accountable to the people they served.