The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), in partnership with the Centre for Communities Education and Youth Development (CCEYD), has held a stakeholders’ sensitisation and training workshop in Tamale to raise public awareness and understanding of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) Act, 2017 (Act 959).
The workshop formed part of efforts to strengthen the rule of law and enhance citizens’ participation in the fight against corruption, especially at the local level.
It was aimed at improving knowledge of the OSP’s mandate, powers, and operations among key stakeholders including youth groups, civil society actors, and local governance representatives.
Mr Solomon Yanka, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at GACC, during the workshop, said it formed part of a two-year project dubbed: “Strengthening the Rule of Law and the Fight against Corruption,” being implemented by the GACC to enhance the effectiveness of key state institutions in combating corruption.
He explained that many citizens remained unaware of the existence, functions, and procedures of the OSP, and therefore, lacked the confidence or knowledge to report corruption-related offences.
He said “Though the OSP has played a vital role in investigating and prosecuting corruption-related offences, Ghana’s performance in the fight against corruption remains unsatisfactory.
“The data available indicate that there is limited public awareness on anti-corruption laws and the institutions mandated to enforce them.”
Mr Yanka said the project also sought to promote collaboration among anti-corruption actors in the criminal justice chain and strengthen the use of digitalisation to enhance transparency and accountability.
He said GACC would continue to engage citizens and institutions through education, dialogue, and advocacy to ensure collective action in curbing corruption in the country.
Mr Abu Ibrahim, Executive Director, CCEYD underscored the importance of the sensitisation in promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in public life.
He said sustainable development and social justice could only thrive in an environment free from corruption, noting that empowering communities with the right information was critical in fostering ethical leadership and civic responsibility.
He said “Increasing public awareness of the OSP Act will encourage citizens to boldly report corruption-related cases. By empowering communities with information, amplifying citizen voices, and promoting ethical leadership, we will help restore public trust in governance.”
He commended GACC and its partners for their consistent efforts in promoting good governance and urged participants to become ambassadors of integrity within their communities.
Mr Fuseini Musah, the Speaker of the Sagnarigu Municipal Youth Parliament, lauded the organisers for the workshop describing it as timely and impactful.
He pledged to share the knowledge acquired with his colleagues and the wider public, especially the youth, to strengthen civic awareness and promote collective responsibility in the fight against corruption.
The sensitisation workshop brought together youth leaders, civil society representatives, media practitioners, and local governance actors, all of whom expressed commitment to promoting accountability and transparency at the grassroots level.
