Introduction:

Corruption poses a grave threat to the stability, development, and integrity of Ghanaian society. The Office of the Special Prosecutor advocates efficacy of investigations and prosecutions in curbing corruption's tide. Yet, recognising that transforming Ghana's culture of corruption requires a comprehensive, large-scale prevention programme, the Office, as mandated by Section 2(c) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), is dedicated to taking proactive measures to prevent corruption.

In alignment with its commitment to preventing corruption and ensuring accountability, the Office acknowledges the pivotal role of the youth in the fight against corruption. Young people, with their immense potential and vested interest in forging a future with minimal corruption, serve as invaluable allies in the pursuit of ethical governance. Their energy, creativity, and idealism position them as key contributors to the efforts against corrupt practices. The Office recognises the significance of youth participation, aligning with the principles of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which underscores the importance of involving youth in fostering integrity and accountability.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor of Ghana is committed to leveraging the power of youth to drive positive change and advance the anti-corruption agenda. Through targeted programmes, partnerships, and advocacy efforts, the Office aims to empower young people to become active agents of change, advocates for transparency, and guardians of integrity across Ghana.

Objective:

The primary objective of the "Youth Against Corruption" initiative is to enable young to actively participate in the fight against corruption, fostering a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability within their communities.

Focused on individuals aged 18 to 40 in Ghana, this initiative aims to shape the upcoming generation into impactful changemakers.

Proposed Activities:

• Social Media Engagement
  • Establish official social media accounts for the Youth Against Corruption (YAC) outreach team on Instagram, X (Twitter), and TikTok to reach a wider audience of young people and amplify the anti-corruption message.
  • Create engaging and informative content, including infographics, videos, and interactive posts, to raise awareness about corruption issues and encourage youth participation in anti-corruption initiatives.
  • Foster online discussions, debates, and campaigns around specific anti-corruption themes or events, leveraging social media as a platform for advocacy, mobilisation, and community building.
• Youth Against Corruption Curriculum
  • The Office will collaborate with various education stakeholders to integrate comprehensive curriculum into existing academic programmes for primary, secondary and university students. The curriculum will underscore the impact of social and economic consequences of corruption, the importance of whistleblowing, and avenues for reporting corruption into existing academic programmes.
  • Conduct training workshops for teachers and educators on how to deliver the curriculum effectively, emphasizing interactive and participatory learning methodologies.
• Youth Against Corruption (YAC) Club
  • Establish the Youth Against Corruption (YAC) Club as an independent organization affiliated with the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
  • Club activities include:
    • Speaker panels: Invite guest speakers from law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, and academia to share insights and experiences on combating corruption.
    • Awareness talks: Organise public talks, workshops, and outreach events to raise awareness about corruption issues and promote ethical behavior among youth.
    • Open discussion/forum: Facilitate regular discussion forums or town hall meetings where youth can express their views, share experiences, and propose solutions to address corruption challenges.
    • Career opportunities: Engage members with research projects, internships, or volunteer activities focused on anti-corruption advocacy and awareness-raising.
  • Long-term initiatives:
    • Training programs: Offer specialised training sessions on investigative techniques, advocacy skills, and leadership development for club members interested in pursuing careers in anti-corruption work.
    • Scholarships and grants: Provide financial support or scholarships for club members to attend conferences, workshops, or training programmes related to anti-corruption efforts regionally or internationally, fostering networking and capacity building.

These proposed activities aim to engage youth at different educational levels and provide them with the knowledge, skills, and platforms necessary to become effective agents of change in the fight against corruption. By investing in youth empowerment and advocacy, the Office can cultivate a new generation of leaders committed to integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Key Components:

1. Awareness and Education:

• Conduct workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns to educate young people about the detrimental effects of corruption on society.
• Utilise innovative methods such as interactive sessions, digital platforms, and gamification to engage and empower youth.

2. Capacity Building:

• Provide training sessions on ethical leadership, civic engagement, and anti-corruption strategies to equip young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to combat corruption effectively.
•  Foster critical thinking and ethical decision-making among youth through experiential learning activities and case studies.

3. Advocacy and Mobilization:

• Empower youth to advocate policy reforms and institutional changes aimed at combating corruption at local, national, and international levels.
• Facilitate the formation of youth-led anti-corruption networks and coalitions to amplify their voices and mobilise collective action.

4. Collaboration and Partnerships:

• Strengthen partnerships with government agencies, civil society organisations, educational institutions, and private sector stakeholders to leverage resources, expertise, and networks to advance the goals of the initiative.
• Engage with existing anti-corruption initiatives and movements to maximize impact.

Expected Outcomes:

• Increased awareness and understanding of corruption among youth.
• Strengthened capacity of young people to advocate for transparency and accountability.
• Enhanced engagement of youth in anti-corruption initiatives at local, national, and international levels.
• Adoption of innovative solutions and technologies to address corruption challenges.
• Establishment of sustainable partnerships and networks for sustained anti-corruption efforts.

Conclusion:

The initiative "Youth Against Corruption" aims to empower young individuals as catalysts for change in combating corruption. Through investments in their education, capacity-building, and advocacy, we aim to unlock the potential of the youth to shape a society that is fair, transparent, and accountable. Together, let us forge a future with reduced corruption, where integrity and ethics triumph.