Adentan NCCE Educates Mercy Islamic JHS Pupils on Responsible Digital Citizenship

As part of activities marking the 2026 Citizenship Week Celebration, the Adentan Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) engaged pupils of Mercy Islamic Junior High School at Lakeside on responsible digital citizenship and the importance of upholding constitutional values online.

The educational programme, held on Friday, 12th June 2026, took place at the school’s assembly grounds under the sub-theme, **“Growing Up in the Digital Age: The Ghanaian Child Upholding the Constitution Online.”** The engagement formed part of the Commission’s efforts to equip young people with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the digital space safely and responsibly.

Welcoming the NCCE team, school authorities expressed appreciation for the initiative and its relevance to the challenges young people face in the digital era.

Speaking on the theme, Mr. Mark Baah Kumi educated the pupils on online safety, ethical social media use, and responsible digital behaviour. He explained that the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the 1992 Constitution must be exercised responsibly, both offline and online. He further linked the Constitution’s supremacy and the civic responsibilities of citizens to everyday digital activities, urging learners to be mindful of their actions on social media and other online platforms.

Mr. Kumi cautioned pupils against forwarding false, misleading, or unverified messages, stressing that the spread of misinformation can cause harm to individuals and society. He encouraged learners to verify information before sharing it and to use digital platforms in ways that promote truth, respect, and national development.

The pupils were also sensitized on the dangers associated with sharing inappropriate content online. Discussions focused on protecting personal information, maintaining privacy, and avoiding activities that could expose them to cyberbullying, scams, identity theft, and other online threats.

Particular emphasis was placed on safeguarding personal data and exercising caution when interacting with unknown persons on the internet. Learners were advised never to disclose sensitive information such as passwords, home addresses, or personal photographs to strangers online.

The engagement further highlighted the relevance of the Child and Family Welfare Policy in promoting child protection and online safety. Pupils were encouraged to make responsible decisions in their digital interactions and to seek guidance whenever they encounter unsafe or suspicious online situations.

Referring to Article 41 of the 1992 Constitution, the facilitators reminded the learners that citizenship responsibilities extend to the digital space. They were encouraged to respect the rights and opinions of others, avoid cyberbullying, and contribute positively to online discussions and engagements.

The interactive session provided pupils with the opportunity to share their experiences regarding cyberbullying, online scams, and other internet-related challenges. The facilitators discussed available reporting channels and encouraged learners to report incidents of abuse, harassment, or suspicious activities to trusted adults, teachers, parents, or relevant authorities.

The NCCE emphasized that responsible digital citizenship requires the same level of discipline, respect, and accountability expected in everyday life. Pupils were therefore encouraged to become responsible digital citizens who uphold Ghana’s democratic values and constitutional principles in all their online activities.

At the end of the programme, teachers commended the NCCE for the insightful engagement and appealed for future visits to educate pupils on additional issues such as child protection and adolescent sexual and reproductive health.

The programme successfully enhanced pupils’ understanding of online safety, digital responsibility, and constitutional values, empowering them to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.