The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) has challenged Ghana’s youth to become the country’s frontline defenders against corruption, urging them to “Resist, Reject and Report Corruption” as Ghana joined the rest of Africa to commemorate the 2026 African Anti-Corruption Day.
In a statement marking the continental observance, Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) Executive Director, Mrs Beauty Emefa Narteh, said the theme for this year’s commemoration, “Scaling Up the Promotion of Integrity and Anti-Corruption Actions Across Africa,” reinforces the need for governments, institutions, communities and citizens, particularly the youth, to work together in promoting integrity and fighting corruption.
She noted that this year’s observance is particularly significant for the Coalition as it marks 25 years of championing transparency, accountability and integrity in Ghana through sustained partnerships with state institutions, civil society organisations and development partners.
Mrs. Narteh said empowering young people has remained central to GACC’s anti-corruption agenda, describing them as critical partners in the country’s quest to build a transparent and accountable society.
According to her, the Coalition’s youth-focused initiatives continue to make significant impact, revealing that more than 23,000 students were reached through school sensitisation programmes under the Local Accountability Networks (LANets) initiative across 40 districts in all 16 regions last year.
Building on that achievement, she announced that GACC has expanded the programme to 85 districts nationwide this year to engage more young people in promoting integrity and accountability.
“This year, we are expanding our outreach to 85 districts nationwide, creating opportunities for even more young people to learn, engage and become champions of integrity,” she said.
As part of the 2026 African Anti-Corruption Day activities, GACC is also organising the Capture Youth Voices Open Forum, a platform designed to amplify the views and experiences of young people on corruption and integrity.
Mrs. Narteh explained that the forum will provide young people with the opportunity to discuss how corruption affects their daily lives and aspirations while contributing practical ideas to strengthen accountability in their communities.
She stressed that combating corruption requires a collective effort from governments, institutions, communities and citizens, noting that every act of honesty and accountability contributes to building a more transparent, just and prosperous society.
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“Our message to the young people of Ghana remains simple: Resist, Reject and Report corruption. Your voice matters, your actions matter and your choices matter. You are not only the leaders of tomorrow; you are the champions of integrity today and the driving force behind a more transparent and accountable future,” she stated.
Mrs. Narteh expressed appreciation to GACC’s partners for their continued support, with special recognition to the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation for supporting this year’s African Anti-Corruption Day activities.
She called on all Ghanaians to renew their commitment to promoting integrity and rejecting corruption, stressing that the fight against corruption is a shared responsibility that demands the active participation of every citizen.
Below is full statement
Remarks-by-the-Executive-Secretary-of-the-GACC
