UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
BY: ATUIMAH VALERIUS
Doba, Upper East Region, Ghana – On March 25, 2025, the Doba Primary School became the venue for a crucial community sensitization event focused on combating corruption and promoting citizen engagement. The program, a collaborative effort between the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) and the local chapter of Transparency International Ghana (GII), drew a diverse crowd, with a significant representation of women and youth.
The event was part of GII’s broader initiative to empower citizens at the grassroots level to fight corruption, particularly within the education and healthcare sectors. This initiative, known as the Mobile Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre (ALAC), aims to bring rights education to communities and equip citizens to demand accountability from duty-bearers. The project is funded by Global Affairs Canada through Transparency International, under the Inclusive Services Delivery Africa (ISDA) Project.
The sensitization program featured speeches from several key stakeholders. The NCCE Director for the Navrongo district opened the event, setting the stage for discussions on the importance of civic participation in combating corruption. Mr. Jude Adda, representing the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), delivered a speech focusing on anti-corruption laws in Ghana, with a specific emphasis on the Whistleblowers Act of 2006 (Act 720).
A representative from GII also addressed the gathering, elaborating on the organization’s work, the purpose of the ALAC initiative, and the crucial role of citizens in fighting corruption. The GII representative provided in-depth education on the Whistleblowers Act, outlining its provisions and how it empowers individuals to report corrupt acts safely and effectively.
The presentation on the Whistleblowers Act was a central part of the sensitization. Participants learned that the Act empowers them to report corrupt practices they witness, addressing the feeling of powerlessness that many citizens often experience.
The resource person emphasized that corruption involves individuals in authority or positions of power manipulating systems for their gain, which ultimately deprives the community of development. The Act is designed to curb corruption by enabling citizens to report improper acts at the community or grassroots level.
The sensitization provided detailed explanations of what constitutes an “improper act” under the Whistleblowers Act. These acts were categorized into six major areas:
Economic Crime: This includes stealing, fraud, bribery, and smuggling.
Breaking a Law: Examples include rigging elections, nepotism in public job appointments, illegal connections to utilities, and diverting public medical supplies.
Miscarriage of Justice: This covers acts like judges taking bribes to influence judgments and manipulating the legal system to wrongly imprison individuals or release guilty parties.
Waste, Misappropriation, or Mismanagement of Public Resources: This involves using public funds for private purposes, using substandard materials for public construction, and neglecting public property.
Environmental Degradation: Improper waste disposal, oil spills, illegal mining (“galamsey”), and illegal logging fall under this category.
Endangering Individual or Public Safety: This includes acts like planting bombs or firing weapons in public spaces.
The resource persons clarified that an improper act can be reported if it has already occurred, is ongoing, or is about to happen.
The sensitization stressed that anyone can report an improper act, regardless of their literacy or language proficiency. It was also made clear that the Whistleblowers Act applies to everyone, reinforcing the principle that no one is above the law.
The program provided a comprehensive overview of the various avenues for reporting improper acts. These include:
- Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ)
- Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO)
- The Attorney General
- National Intelligence Bureau (NIB)
- The Police
At the community level, it was emphasized that individuals can also report to traditional and local authority figures such as chiefs, family heads, priests, imams, assembly members, Members of Parliament (MPs), and District Chief Executives (DCEs) or Municipal Chief Executives (MCEs). However, it was explicitly stated that these community-level individuals are required to forward the reports to the appropriate investigative bodies for action.
A critical aspect of the Whistleblowers Act highlighted during the sensitization is the protection of the whistleblower’s identity. Participants were assured that the Act mandates the confidentiality of the whistleblower’s information, ensuring their safety and encouraging them to come forward without fear of reprisal.
The event at Doba Primary School went beyond just speeches and presentations. It incorporated interactive sessions, including open forums, where participants could identify specific transparency and accountability issues within the education and health sectors in their district. The community members actively participated in discussions to develop practical strategies for addressing these challenges and made personal and collective commitments to fighting corruption.
The Mobile ALAC also established a clinic where individuals could receive on-the-spot advice and assistance with corruption-related issues. This direct engagement provided a platform for citizens to seek help and report instances of corruption, further empowering them to take action.
The sensitization program successfully brought together a diverse group of participants. These included:
- Representatives from women’s groups
- Persons with disabilities
- Youth groups
- Assembly members
- Traditional authorities and representatives from the Traditional Council
- Heads of the Social Welfare Department
- District Gender Desk Officers
- District Police Commander
- District Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) Heads
- District Coordinating Directors
- Representatives from the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC)
This broad representation underscored the collaborative nature of the initiative and the commitment of various stakeholders to promoting good governance and fighting corruption in the region.
The community sensitization program at Doba Primary School is expected to have a significant positive impact. By raising awareness about corruption, educating citizens on their rights, and empowering them to use the Whistleblowers Act, the initiative is helping to create a more transparent and accountable society.
The program aligns with the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP) and contributes to broader efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to good governance and reducing corruption.
The success of the Doba event highlights the importance of community-level engagement in the fight against corruption. It demonstrates that by providing citizens with the knowledge and tools they need, it is possible to foster a culture of accountability and transparency, ultimately leading to improved services and a better future for all.
