Banda NCCE Empowers Bao D/A JHS Students to Lead Advocacy against Information Disorder

The Banda District Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has encouraged young people to take an active role in promoting responsible digital citizenship and combating information disorder within their schools and communities.

Speaking during an engagement with students of Bao D/A Junior High School as part of the Commission’s Citizenship Week Celebration, the Banda District Director of the NCCE, Mr. Simon Boahen, urged the students to see themselves not merely as consumers of information, but as responsible citizens with a duty to defend truth and promote accuracy in public communication. He explained that the ability to distinguish between facts, opinions, misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda has become an essential civic skill in the digital age.

Mr. Boahen noted that young people are among the most active users of digital platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. He therefore cautioned that while these platforms provide opportunities for learning, communication, and civic participation, they can also expose users to misleading content, online manipulation, and harmful narratives. He encouraged the students to verify information sources, question suspicious messages, avoid spreading unverified claims, and educate their peers on responsible online behaviour.

The engagement also highlighted the legal framework that guides responsible communication and information sharing, including relevant provisions under the Electronic Communications Act and the Criminal Offences Act. Mr. Boahen explained that these laws are intended to protect public trust, promote accountability, and ensure that communication is used as a tool for national development rather than public harm.

The students, together with their teachers, welcomed the initiative and pledged to apply the lessons learned in their online interactions, classroom discussions, and everyday conversations. They also expressed appreciation for being recognised as important partners in the national effort to build a more informed, responsible, and resilient society.