The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) recently embarked on a mission to educate students about the detrimental effects of electoral corruption and offenses at the Agona Swedru Islamic Junior High and AME Zion (A) Junior High School.
This initiative, done in conjunction with the Local Accountability Network (LANET) and Health Education and Relief Organization (HERO), aimed to raise awareness among students about the negative impacts of electoral fraud, corruption, and bribery.
Mr. Benjamin Buabeng, the Focal Person of LANET, emphasized that corruption involves the misuse of power by public officials for personal gain. He highlighted how the misallocation of public funds can impede infrastructural and human development, urging Ghanaian political leaders to prioritize the public good and work towards national growth.
Buabeng also addressed the issue of vote-buying, where politicians offer money or goods in exchange for votes, emphasizing that such practices undermine democracy. He warned that corrupt practices divert public funds meant for development for personal gain, and urged students to discourage their parents from engaging in vote-selling, as it is a criminal offense.
Furthermore, the students were enlightened about electoral fraud, with illegal acts such as ballot-box stuffing and voter intimidation highlighted as actions that could lead to electoral violence. Mr. Buabeng emphasized that electoral malpractices could alter the outcome of an election and spark conflicts.
The students were also briefed by Mr. Daniel Asomaning, an Officer of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), on the functions of state institutions that address corruption and other offenses. Asomaning urged students to report cases of corruption with sufficient evidence for investigation and prosecution, stressing that unsubstantiated allegations could have legal consequences.
Moreover, Mr. Abubakar Al–Hassan Adams, Secretary of LANET, advised students to avoid engaging in corrupt practices like accepting bribes for votes, as it could result in fines and imprisonment. He encouraged them to be whistleblowers in their communities to combat corruption effectively.
The initiative underscored the importance of educating students about the dangers of corruption and electoral offenses, as they are the future leaders who will hold key public positions. By instilling values of integrity and accountability in the youth, Ghana can progress towards a more transparent and fair society.
