Schoolchildren engaged by the Local Accountability Network of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) have expressed concern over what they describe as persistent corruption in state institutions and society.

The students said they are saddened when they witness drivers allegedly paying money to some uniformed officers. Others claimed their parents had to pay large sums of money before their siblings could secure employment with the security services.

Some of the children also alleged that teachers showed favouritism towards certain students, while others complained that despite being registered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), hospitals often told them, “This is not covered by NHIS.”

The students further linked corruption to the lack of streetlights, poor roads and inadequate development projects in their communities. They called on public officials and adults to set positive examples by promoting integrity and accountability.

The students shared their experiences during this year’s school engagement programme organised by the Local Accountability Network of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis and Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipality.

The programme was supported by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation to mark the 2026 Africa Anti-Corruption Day.

Participating schools included Takoradi Community Development Institute, Bompeh Senior High School, Nana Brempong Yaw Basic School and Reverend Apperky Basic School.

Leader of the Network, Ebo Barker, said the activities were aimed at strengthening the promotion of integrity and anti-corruption efforts across Africa while renewing the commitment to building a culture of accountability.

He said tackling corruption was essential to national development, adding, “We are encouraging young people to resist, reject and report corruption.”

In a speech read on her behalf by Stephen Ernest Buah, a member of the Network, Executive Secretary of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, Beauty Emefa Narteh, said the organisation had expanded this year’s campaign to reach more students and empower them to become champions of integrity.

She said one of the highlights of this year’s celebration was the “Capture Youth Voices Open Forum,” designed to amplify young people’s perspectives and experiences on corruption and integrity.

Ms Narteh encouraged the students to speak out against corruption, adding, “Your voices, actions and choices matter. You must be the driving force behind a more transparent and accountable future.”