National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has held a community engagement program for women in the Ketu South Municipality under the theme “Strengthening the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption in Ghana.” The event, which took place on October 28, 2025, was aimed at equipping women with the knowledge and courage to serve as agents of integrity, transparency, and accountability within their communities.
The engagement, led by the Ketu South Municipal Director of the NCCE, Mama Hodzige II, brought together women leaders, market queens, traders, and representatives of women’s associations across the municipality to deliberate on women’s rights, civic duties, and anti-corruption education.
In her address, Mama Hodzige II emphasized that empowering women with civic education strengthens democracy and deepens the fight against corruption.
“When women understand their rights and responsibilities, they become strong voices for accountability in their homes, workplaces, and communities,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to all partner institutions and sponsors who supported the program and urged participants to open up during future monitoring to measure the impact of the engagement.
Focus on Women’s Rights and the Law
Participants were sensitized on Article 27 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which grants special protection to mothers before and after childbirth, guarantees paid maternity leave, and ensures equal opportunities for training and promotion.
They also learned about the Maputo Protocol, a landmark African Union treaty that upholds women’s rights to dignity, justice, political participation, education, and reproductive health.
Facilitators urged women to advocate for their rights and to engage actively in governance processes, noting that equal participation by women strengthens peace, justice, and development.
Understanding and Combating Corruption
The session also focused on corruption — described as the abuse of public office for private gain — and its devastating impact on national progress. Participants examined how acts such as bribery, nepotism, favoritism, sextortion, and embezzlement harm development, discourage investment, and deepen inequality.
They also explored how corruption disproportionately affects women and children, limiting access to healthcare, education, and social protection.
The facilitators stressed that fighting corruption begins at the community level, urging market women and traders to promote fairness, honesty, and transparency in daily transactions.
Law Enforcement Insight
Delivering an in-depth presentation, DSI Justice Normeshie, the Aflao Command Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Human Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons Unit/PR at the Ghana Immigration Service, educated participants on the Constitutional Mandate, Rule of Law, Anti-Corruption Laws, and the Role of Women in Promoting Transparency and Accountability.
He reminded participants that the rule of law cannot thrive without active citizen participation, saying:
“Women have the power to reshape communities. If you see corruption, speak up. Use the right reporting channels — silence only empowers the corrupt.”
Women as Change Agents
Discussions centered on how women can lead change by building confidence, speaking up against wrongdoing, and supporting one another in leadership roles. The program encouraged women to participate in local decision-making, peacebuilding, and social justice efforts.
Participants were also taught about community integrity and market accountability, emphasizing ethical behavior and collective responsibility in fostering honest leadership.
Voices from the Community
In a brief interview with News Volta, some participants expressed gratitude to the NCCE for organizing the program.
Madam Lydia Awornor, a trader from Aflao Market, said the engagement opened her eyes to her civic responsibilities:
“I’ve learned that as women, we also have a duty to question leaders and demand transparency. I now know that corruption doesn’t just happen in government—it starts in our daily dealings.”
Another participant, Miss Agnes Dovi, a teacher from Denu, said the session had inspired her to educate her students about integrity and the rule of law.
“If we raise a generation that values honesty, Ghana’s future will be brighter,” she remarked.
Responding to these reflections, NCCE Municipal Director, Mama Hodzige II, told News Volta that such engagements are crucial for transforming communities from within.
“We are planting seeds of integrity among women. When women stand for what is right, families, markets, and institutions follow,” she noted, adding that the commission will continue its outreach programs to sustain civic awareness and accountability across the municipality.
A Call to Action
The NCCE concluded the engagement with a renewed call for women to uphold honesty, reject corruption, and become advocates for fairness and justice.
Mama Hodzige II urged participants to “become ambassadors of integrity and help build a Ghana where transparency and accountability are part of everyday life.”
Source Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako ll News Volta
