NCCE Deputy Chairman Urges Pupils to Uphold Responsible Digital Citizenship

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has organized a Citizenship Week celebration at the Ntsumuru E.P. Chapel in Nkonya Ahenkro in the Biakoye District of the Oti Region, with a call on pupils to uphold responsible behaviour in the digital space.

The event, held on Friday, June 12, 2026, brought together pupils from Ntsumuru SDA Basic School, Ntsumuru E.P. Basic School, and Kadjebi D/A Basic School under the theme, “Growing up Digital: The Ghanaian Child Upholding the Constitution Online.”

Speaking at the programme, the Deputy Chairman of the NCCE in charge of Operations, Mr. Samuel Asare Akuamoah, advised pupils to be cautious in their use of social media and to seek guidance from parents and teachers whenever they need assistance online. He explained that although the modern world exists in both physical and virtual spaces, children remain particularly vulnerable to negative influences, abuse, and exploitation on digital platforms.

Mr. Akuamoah noted that online abuse could undermine pupils’ self-confidence and adversely affect their academic performance. He therefore cautioned them against sharing inappropriate content, especially nude images, stressing that such materials could be used for cyberbullying, blackmail, and other forms of exploitation. He further encouraged the pupils to take their education seriously, emulate positive role models, and grow into responsible citizens.

Also addressing the pupils, Mr. Ernest Mensah of the NCCE educated them on their rights and responsibilities online. He explained that Ghana’s legal framework, including the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), the 1992 Constitution, and the Children and Family Welfare Policy, 2015, protects children from abuse, discrimination, neglect, and harmful practices, while promoting their right to express themselves respectfully in appropriate settings.

Mr. Mensah also highlighted the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), which seeks to protect individuals, including children, from cyber threats, harassment, exposure to inappropriate content, unauthorized access, and the misuse of digital platforms. He cautioned the pupils against sharing unverified information online, noting that misinformation and disinformation could cause serious harm to individuals and communities. He urged them to verify the accuracy, appropriateness, and safety of information before sharing it, while also protecting their personal privacy.

He further encouraged pupils to report incidents of cyberbullying and internet fraud to the Cybersecurity Authority through the emergency short code 292 or via WhatsApp on 0501603111.

On behalf of the teachers, Mr. Joshua Darkey of Kadjebi D/A Junior High School expressed appreciation to the NCCE for its continuous efforts to promote responsible online behaviour among pupils. He encouraged the learners to apply the lessons from the engagement and become responsible digital citizens.