NCCE urges youth leaders to champion rule of law and ethical leadership in fight against corruption

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has called on young leaders in tertiary institutions to become champions of ethical leadership, accountability, and the rule of law as Ghana intensifies efforts to combat corruption and promote good governance.

The call was made during the Upper West Regional Youth Empowerment Dialogue on the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption, held at Nusrat Jahan Ahmadiyya College of Education (NJA College) in Wa on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

The dialogue brought together student leaders from the University for Business and Integrated Development Studies, Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University, McCoy College of Education, and the host, Nusrat Jahan Ahmadiyya College of Education, to deepen their understanding of good governance, responsible citizenship, conflict of interest, and ethical leadership.

Opening the programme, the Deputy Upper West Regional Director of the NCCE, Mr. John Yibile, described corruption as one of Ghana's greatest development challenges, saying it continues to weaken democracy, undermine the rule of law, and deprive future generations of opportunities.

"Corruption is a crime and a sin. Corruption undermines the rule of law and democracy. Corruption robs generations of their future," Mr. Yibile said.

He said corruption contributes to underdevelopment, discourages foreign investment, and fuels insecurity, stressing that existing laws alone cannot eliminate the problem without active citizen participation.

Mr. Yibile explained that the NCCE, under its constitutional mandate, continues to educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities while promoting public participation in governance and demanding accountability from public office holders.

He said the dialogue forms part of the Commission's broader civic education efforts to equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to promote transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership within their institutions and communities.

"Good governance is not about the provision of social amenities alone. It is about the processes for making and implementing decisions. Accountability, transparency, rule of law, and inclusiveness are fundamental requirements of good governance," he stated.

Facilitating a session on youth leadership and good governance, the Nadowli-Kaleo District Director of the NCCE, Mr. Emmanuel Der Tambile, described good governance as the foundation upon which national development depends.

"Without good governance, nothing works. Every facet of society will see progress once there is good governance," he said.

Mr. Tambile explained that leadership must be exercised with accountability, transparency, inclusiveness, and consensus-building rather than personal interest.

He warned that corruption occurs when public officials divert public resources for private benefit, denying citizens access to essential services and development.

"So when some of these things are happening, it means that principles of good governance are not being adhered to," he said.

Mr. Tambile urged young leaders not to remain silent when they encounter wrongdoing within their institutions.

"When good people keep quiet, evil finds a way of thriving in society," he said. "As student leaders, you may be privy to activities involving public resources. When you identify red flags of corruption, you must speak up."

Participants described the dialogue as timely and beneficial, saying it had strengthened their understanding of ethical leadership and responsible public service.

Abdul-matin Alhassan, a student leader from NJA College of Education, who also serves as Financial Secretary of the Students' Representative Council and General Secretary of TESCON, said the engagement had broadened his understanding of financial accountability and corruption prevention.

"I came expecting discussions mainly about politics, but I learned practical lessons on financial management and public accountability that will guide me in the leadership roles I currently hold," he said.

He added that the lessons would help prepare young leaders to serve responsibly both in school and in future public offices.