Transparency, accountability strengthen governance — NCCE

The Western Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Andrews Ofori Larbi, has stated that ethical leadership, transparency and accountability remain essential to strengthen democratic governance and sustain public trust.

He said the NCCE, under the Participation, Accountability and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy Programme, continued to educate and create awareness in the public space to drive accountability from duty bearers to improve the well-being of the state.

He was speaking to students of the Takoradi Technical University in Takoradi last Saturday at a forum organised by the NCCE as part of its mandate in ensuring good governance in the country.

Accountability

Mr Larbi said the youth have been targeted under the programme as future leaders to reinforce respect for the rule of law, ethical leadership and advance on public accountability standards.

He was thankful to the German government, European Union, Swiss government for helping the Country raise its bars on governance, democracy and accountability.

For her part, the Acting Western Regional Director of the Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Efua Yankson, urged student leaders against the abuse of power while in office.

She explained that abuse of office was “when a public officer improperly exercised the powers, resources or influence of their office for private gain”.

“This could favour an undeserved person, victimise others or for any personal aggrandisement rather than the lawful functions of that office”, she added.

Governance

Madam Yankson said abuse of office and corrupt behaviours conflicted with the statutory mandate of such public officers and leaders as stated in Article 284 of the 1992 Constitution.

She noted that such acts contributed to the continuous decline of social good and realistic development. 

She encouraged student leaders not to condone evil, but report through the Whistleblower Act so that offenders could face the full rigours of justice.