Be Accountable Users of the Cyberspace - Bono Region NCCE Advises Fire Service Officers

The Bono Regional Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has engaged officers of the Sunyani Municipal Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) on the need to balance technological innovation with transparency, privacy protection, ethical digital conduct, and accountability.

The forum, held at the conference hall of the Sunyani Municipal Command of the GNFS, formed part of activities marking the 2026 Annual Constitution Week Celebration. It was organised under the theme, “Upholding Our Constitution in the Digital Age: Our Collective Responsibility.”

Addressing the officers, the Bono Deputy Regional Director of the NCCE, Mr. Peter Kwabena Gyasi, said responsible digital conduct is essential to safeguarding Ghana’s constitutional values. He explained that the digital space has become an important platform for communication, public education, security awareness, and civic participation, but cautioned that its misuse can undermine public trust, individual rights, and national cohesion.

Mr. Gyasi warned against harmful digital practices such as the circulation of malicious messages, the posting of unauthorised content, and the spread of misinformation and disinformation. He noted that whether such actions are deliberate or reckless, they can violate the principles of the 1992 Constitution and expose individuals to legal consequences.

He further reminded participants that disinformation in the digital space is not merely an ethical concern but can also constitute an offence under Ghanaian law. He therefore urged the officers to exercise caution in their online activities and to serve as examples of responsible digital citizenship within their professional circles and communities.

Referring to the preamble of the 1992 Constitution, Mr. Gyasi encouraged the officers to uphold the guiding principles of freedom, justice, probity, accountability, the rule of law, liberty, and respect for fundamental human rights. He stressed that these principles must guide citizens not only in physical spaces but also in their use of digital platforms.

The Municipal Commander of the GNFS, Division Officer Grade Two Agyemang Duah Solomon, expressed concern about the misuse of social media to spread misinformation and disinformation about the Fire Service. He said false narratives about the Service have the potential to erode public confidence, weaken institutional credibility, and compromise public safety.

DO2 Agyemang Duah Solomon appealed to the public, particularly media practitioners and social media users, to verify information before sharing content about the Fire Service and other public institutions. He emphasized that responsible communication is necessary to protect lives, preserve public trust, and support the work of emergency service providers.

He also advised citizens to prioritise both personal safety and security, noting that security measures alone do not guarantee protection and well-being. He encouraged the public to act responsibly, remain safety-conscious, and support public institutions with accurate information.

The Municipal Commander commended the NCCE for sustaining Constitution Week engagements and described the initiative as an important reminder of Ghana’s return to constitutional democratic rule. He added that the programme reinforces the collective duty of citizens and institutions to preserve constitutionalism, promote civic responsibility, and protect democratic values in the digital age.