Women Empowered to Lead Fight Against Corruption in Kasena Nankana West
PAGA, UPPER EAST REGION – Transparency International Ghana (TIG), in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has organized a one‑day workshop aimed at combating corruption at the grassroots by equipping women with the knowledge and confidence to identify, resist, and report corrupt practices in their communities.
At the workshop held in Paga in the Kasena Nankana West District of the Upper East Region, five women’s groups received practical training on corruption, discrimination, and the legal mechanisms available for reporting wrongdoing.
The initiative forms part of efforts to empower women—who are often among the most affected victims of corruption—to become active agents of accountability and good governance within their communities.
Addressing journalists after the workshop, the Executive Director of Transparency International Ghana, Madam Mary Awelana, stressed that corruption has devastating consequences for women and girls because they are already disadvantaged in many aspects of society.
“Women and young girls are among the most vulnerable groups in society, and corruption affects them negatively. That is why Transparency International Ghana is focusing on empowering women to understand corruption and confidently report it,” she stated.
Madam Awelana explained that corruption goes beyond bribery involving politicians and public officials, describing it as “the abuse of entrusted power for private gain.” She said the practice deprives citizens of quality healthcare, education, justice, and other essential public services, with women and girls often bearing the greatest burden.
She noted that the organisation is paying particular attention to issues of discrimination affecting women in sectors such as education and health because these injustices are closely linked to corruption.
“When women are empowered with knowledge, they are able to identify corrupt practices, report discrimination, and speak against injustice without fear, intimidation, or oppression,” she said.
According to her, many women remain silent because cultural norms and social barriers discourage them from expressing their opinions or reporting wrongdoing.
“In some parts of the world, women do not have the opportunity or confidence to speak. Bringing them together creates a safe space where they can share their experiences and raise their voices against corruption,” she added.
Madam Awelana further educated participants on Ghana’s Whistleblower Act, 2006 (Act 720), explaining that the law provides legal protection for individuals who report corruption and other criminal activities.
She encouraged citizens not to remain silent whenever they witness corruption, emphasizing that fighting corruption requires the active participation of every Ghanaian.
The workshop also challenged participants to reflect on everyday behaviours that constitute corruption, including acts that are often ignored within communities.
One of the participants, Madam Kape Asaliwe Rebecca, described the training as eye‑opening, saying it completely changed her understanding of corruption.
“I thought it was only politicians who were corrupt. Not knowing that from what I have learnt today, even I have engaged in practices that amount to corruption,” she admitted.
She said the workshop had inspired her to change her behaviour and educate others in her community about the various forms of corruption.
“I will share the knowledge with people who could not attend because corruption affects all of us. We must all become part of the solution,” she pledged.
The workshop concluded with participants committing themselves to become anti‑corruption ambassadors in their communities by promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible citizenship.