The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition's (GACC) Local and Accountability Network (LANet) in Sege, in the Ada West District of the Greater Accra Region has commemorated the 2025 African Union Anti-Corruption Day (AUACD), with a call for collective action against corruption.

As part of the AUACD commemoration, the GACC, through its LANet, has renewed calls for bold, inclusive, and united actions to tackle the persistent scourge of corruption in Africa.

The theme for the 2025 AUACD Celebration was: "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations."

According to the 2023 Auditor-General's Report, Ghana lost over GH¢11 billion to financial irregularities, resources that could have transformed education, healthcare, and job opportunities for its citizens.

Mr. Godwin Dzivor, the Sege LANet Focal Person, noted that corruption steals from the common person's purse and deprives communities of vital services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure, adding that it entrenches inequality and weakens trust in leadership.

Mr. Dzivor said that the GACC recognised that empowering the youth to stand against corruption was a critical step toward building a fairer, more inclusive Ghana where development benefited all, not just a few.

He stated that in line with this, the GACC and its partners have committed to the implementation of a nationwide youth- targeted anti-corruption campaign.

"This year's initiative, supported by the Hewlett Foundation, raised awareness of corruption, promoted civic engagement, and encouraged whistleblowing in 40 districts across 16 regions," he added.

Mr. Dzivor gave a detailed overview of the Whistleblower Act, 2006 (Act 720), and the Witness Protection Act, 2018 (Act 975), explaining that these laws offered a strong framework for citizens, particularly young people, to safely report illegal or unethical practices without fear of retaliation.

He said that under Act 720, whistleblowers were guaranteed confidentiality, protection from victimisation, and even a financial reward amounting to 10 per cent of recovered funds when disclosures lead to successful recoveries.

The focal person further explained that the Witness Protection Act extends further protections to whistleblowers and their families, including identity shielding, relocation, and psychological support.

He again noted that the theme for this year's celebration resonates across the continent, and the GACC's message was clear: that whistleblowing was not snitching but rather courage.

A speech delivered on behalf of the GACC Executive Secretary, Mrs. Beauty Emefa Narteh, urged all actors, parents, teachers, community leaders, religious institutions, media, public agencies, and civil societies to stand behind the youth and support them as they take a stand for transparency and justice.

The GACC also called on the youth of Ghana to rise to the occasion by taking a personal pledge against corruption and committing to the 3Rs of fighting corruption, which involve resisting, rejecting, and reporting corruption.

The GACC's efforts were aimed at empowering young people with the knowledge and skills to identify and resist corruption and demand accountability from duty bearers by working together to build a fairer, more inclusive Ghana where development benefits all, not just a few.

The presentation examined various forms of corruption, including everyday instances such as cheating on exams, cutting queues, and grade manipulation, which are common in schools and youth environments.

The programme emphasised that the fight against corruption starts with everyone, and the youth are in a unique position to lead the charge toward a transparent and equitable Ghana.