Participants at a two-day workshop to promote democracy and good governance have suggested the institution of an anti-corruption day to create awareness about the effects and consequences of corruption.
They attributed the alarming rate of crime to corrupt practices by people who escape punishment by influencing higher officials.
The participants made the call at the close of the workshop
jointly organised by Ghana Integrity Initiative and Berekum District Directorate of National Commission for Civic Education at Berekum.
It was on the theme, "Fighting corruption - an agenda for
democracy and good governance." The participants mentioned the high rate of nepotism, favouritism and tribalism as obstacles in the fight against corruption and appealed to the government to adequately resource law enforcement agencies to enable them to function effectively.
Mr Kusi Aboraah, the Ashanti Regional Director of NCCE, stressed the need for civil society organizations as well municipal and district assemblies to demonstrate a common purpose in promoting and upholding accountability and good governance.
He appealed to the two organizations to bridge the gap between micro-level activism and micro-level policy change through strengthening people's participation in policy-making and
implementation.
Mr Aboraah said the country's efforts to reduce poverty depended on having a governance paradigm "that makes government accessible, responsive and accountable to the people".
Miss Oppong Serwaa, a representative of NCCE, called for training and technical assistance for community members in addressing issues on political, economic, health and education to accelerate development.