Tamale, Ghana – 9th July 2026

The International Centre for Public Development (I.C.P.D.), as part of its “BUILD” Strategic Framework, successfully organised an Inter-Senior High School Quiz Competition on Financial Crime, Ethics, Morality and Integrity at Tamale Girls' Senior High School in Tamale, under the theme: "Building Ethical Leaders for a Corruption-Free Future."

The event formed part of I.C.P.D.'s baseline study aimed at assessing students' knowledge and understanding of financial crime, ethics, morality and integrity among Senior High School students in the Northern Region. The programme also sought to promote ethical leadership, responsible citizenship and integrity among Ghana's future leaders through education and public awareness.

The competition brought together four leading Senior High Schools in Tamale: Tamale Senior High School (TAMASCO), Ghana Senior High School (GHANASCO), NOBISCO Senior High School and Tamale Girls' Senior High School.

Opening Ceremony

In his welcoming address, the Board Chairman of I.C.P.D., represented by the Centre Coordinator Mr. Ellis Asamani, explained that the establishment of I.C.P.D. was inspired by the increasing incidence of corruption, financial crime and unethical conduct in both the public and private sectors. He observed that successive reports of the Auditor-General, including the 2025 report, continue to reveal significant financial irregularities involving the loss of public resources through procurement breaches, payroll irregularities, weak internal controls and misappropriation of funds.

He noted that although accountability institutions such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Office of the Special Prosecutor, the Auditor-General and other state institutions continue to enforce the law, prevention through education remains equally important. He stressed that I.C.P.D. was established to complement these national efforts by promoting ethics, integrity and responsible leadership, particularly among young people.

He further highlighted I.C.P.D.'s vision of becoming a leading institution promoting ethical leadership and sustainable public development in Africa and outlined the organisation's mission of empowering individuals and institutions through education, research, advocacy and strategic partnerships. He explained that the BUILD Strategic Framework focuses on Building Capacity, Understanding Values, Inspiring Leadership, Leadership Development and Development Partnerships.

Government Reaffirms Commitment to Values-Based Education

Delivering the address of the Special Guest of Honour, the Northern Regional Director of Education by the Director of Planning, Alhaji Andani Zakaria Abdulai, he reaffirmed the Government of Ghana's commitment to values-based education. He stated that education should not only produce academically competent students but also responsible citizens with integrity, discipline and respect for the rule of law.

He commended I.C.P.D. and the Economic and Organised Crime Office for complementing government efforts through preventive education and noted that initiatives such as the baseline study and quiz competition would help strengthen ethics education in schools and contribute significantly to national development.

University Calls for Integrity-Centred Leadership

In the keynote address, Professor Frederick Kankam, Head of the Department of Agricultural Biotechnology at the University for Development Studies, Nyankpala Campus, emphasised that sustainable national development depends on ethical leadership and integrity.

He observed that corruption, fraud, cybercrime, bribery, money laundering and other financial crimes divert scarce national resources from essential services such as education, healthcare and infrastructure. He encouraged students to develop integrity from an early age, reminding them that honesty, accountability and responsible decision-making are the foundations of effective leadership.

Professor Kankam commended I.C.P.D. and EOCO for investing in preventive education and described the baseline survey as an important research initiative that would provide evidence to support future educational and policy interventions.

EOCO Urges Students to Become Ambassadors of Integrity

In his closing remarks, a statement read on behalf of the Northern Regional Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) by ASO Askur Safana, he congratulated I.C.P.D. for organising the competition and reiterated that the fight against financial crime begins with education and character formation.

He noted that EOCO's mandate extends beyond investigation and prosecution to include the prevention of economic and organised crime through public education and stakeholder collaboration. He encouraged students to reject examination malpractice, cyber fraud, bribery, corruption and every form of dishonest conduct, urging them instead to become ambassadors of integrity in their schools, homes and communities.

He reaffirmed EOCO's commitment to partnering with I.C.P.D., the Ghana Education Service, academic institutions and other stakeholders in promoting ethics, integrity and financial crime prevention among young people.

Competition Results

After four competitive rounds covering financial crime, ethics, morality and integrity, the final results were as follows:

1st Place: Tamale Senior High School (TAMASCO) – 89 points

2nd Place: Ghana Senior High School (GHANASCO) – 84 points

3rd Place: NOBISCO Senior High School – 76 points

4th Place: Tamale Girls' Senior High School – 61 points

The competition was characterised by a high level of preparation, confidence, discipline and sportsmanship from all participating schools.

Awards Presentation

At the end of the competition, all contestants received medals and specially branded I.C.P.D. souvenirs in recognition of their participation and outstanding performance. Each participating school was also presented with a trophy corresponding to its final position in the competition.

The awards ceremony reflected I.C.P.D.'s commitment to recognising excellence while encouraging all students to continue serving as champions of ethics, integrity and responsible citizenship.

Looking Ahead

The International Centre for Public Development expressed its profound appreciation to the Ghana Education Service, the Economic and Organised Crime Office, the University for Development Studies, the management of Tamale Girls' Senior High School for hosting the event, the participating schools, teachers, students, development partners, volunteers and the media for contributing to the success of the programme.

I.C.P.D. indicated that the findings from the baseline study would inform future educational programmes, policy advocacy, youth leadership initiatives and integrity clubs under its BUILD Strategic Framework.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to working with government institutions, educational authorities, academia, civil society organisations and development partners to nurture a generation of ethical leaders capable of preventing financial crime and promoting accountable governance for the sustainable development of Ghana.

Issued by:

International Centre for Public Development (I.C.P.D.)

The International Centre for Public Development (I.C.P.D) successfully launched its first Students Integrity Club at Fachi Little Flower School on Friday, 12 June 2026. The event marked a significant milestone in I.C.P.D’s efforts to promote integrity, ethical behaviour, moral values, and anti-financial crime awareness among young people through its Youth Integrity Leadership Development Programme (YILDP).

The occasion was attended by several distinguished guests, including Dame Anna-Maria Fati Paul, Proprietress of the school; Madam Clara Sowley, Director; Mr. John Achim, Assistant Manager; Alhaji Thomas Kofi Pang, PTA Chairman; Alhaji Mohammed Abdulai Sadique; Mr. Sumani Musah, Quiz Master; and Mr. Stephen Abanga, District Accountant of the Ghana Education Service.

The event also served as a baseline survey quiz competition aimed at assessing students’ knowledge and understanding of integrity, ethics, moral values, and financial crime. The findings from the survey will enable I.C.P.D to develop targeted educational interventions and measure the impact of future integrity education programmes in schools.

The programme brought together students, teachers, parents, and I.C.P.D officials in an atmosphere of learning, excitement, and healthy competition. Among the I.C.P.D officials who addressed participants were Mr. Ellis Asamani, Centre Coordinator; Nana Yaa Tobore, Assistant Centre Coordinator and Head of School Programmes; and Mr. James Salifu Zirah, Head of Finance.

In their respective addresses, the speakers emphasized the importance of nurturing a culture of honesty, accountability, discipline, patriotism, and responsible citizenship among the youth. They encouraged students to become ambassadors of integrity within their schools, homes, and communities.

A major highlight of the programme was an exciting quiz competition involving students from Basic 7A, Basic 7B, Basic 8A, and Basic 8B. The contest was conducted in four challenging and insightful rounds designed to test participants’ understanding of ethical conduct, moral values, corruption prevention, and financial crime awareness.

The students demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm, confidence, and knowledge throughout the competition. After a highly competitive contest, Basic 7B emerged victorious with an impressive score of 104 points, outperforming the other participating classes. Their outstanding performance reflected both their understanding of the subject matter and the school's commitment to integrity-based education.

In his keynote address, Mr. Paul Agyei Gyang, Northern Regional Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and a Board Member of I.C.P.D, underscored the importance of collaboration between EOCO and I.C.P.D in combating financial crime, particularly among school-aged children and young people. He commended the Centre for its initiative and assured participants of his office’s continued support and willingness to partner with I.C.P.D in future programmes.

To recognize and encourage participation, I.C.P.D presented branded medals, jotters, and pens to all participating students. The awards were received with great excitement and served as motivation for the students to continue learning and practising the principles of integrity and ethical behaviour.

Speaking after the event, I.C.P.D officials expressed their gratitude to the management, staff, students, and parents of Fachi Little Flower School for their support and cooperation in making the programme a success. They reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to expanding the Students Integrity Club initiative to schools across Ghana as part of efforts to build a generation of ethical leaders and responsible citizens.

The successful launch of the Students Integrity Club at Fachi Little Flower School represents another important step in I.C.P.D’s mission to promote integrity, transparency, accountability, and good citizenship among young people. Through continuous education, mentorship, and engagement, the Centre aims to empower students to become champions in the fight against corruption and financial crime while contributing positively to national development.