About 53 people, aged from 18 to 35 years, took part in the forum, funded by the European Union and the German Development Cooperation.

They were educated on corrupt practices, their role in promoting accountability and the legal protections available to them as part of efforts to fight corruption in the country.

Mr. Alidu Abukari Abdul-Razak, Nanumba South District Coordinating Director, speaking during the forum at Wulensi, said corruption was the main cause of the country’s development challenges, adding that it was the single most stubborn obstacle to efforts in job creation and poverty eradication.

He added that “But for corruption, we could have enough resources to build schools, hospitals, roads, factories and provide all services needed to make life comfortable.”

Mr. George Konlan Nanumba South District Director of NCCE, and Mr. Mutaru Mohammed, Speaker of the Nanumba South Youth Parliament and Presiding Member of the District Assembly were the facilitators, whose presentations focused on “Understanding the Fight against Corruption and Role of Youth in ensuring Anti- corruption Success.

Mr. Konlan took participants through Ghana’s anti-corruption history, legislations and institutions and encouraged them to rise in support of efforts aimed at uprooting or minimising the canker to promote development.

Mr. Mohammed said corruption robbed the youth of the opportunities they needed to create better conditions for themselves and brighter prospects for the future.

He said “Therefore, young persons need to uphold virtues of integrity, morality and excellence while demanding accountability and transparency from both political and traditional leaders.”

He urged participants to take a strong and open stance in rejecting corrupt gestures, reporting practices and resisting behaviours that appeared corrupt.

Participants lauded the forum and urged NCCE to regularly organise such fora in their communities to enlighten them.