Growing Up Digital: NCCE Educates Pupils on Responsible Online Citizenship During Annual Citizenship Week

As digital technology continues to shape the lives of young people, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Dormaa Central Municipal Office, has intensified efforts to equip pupils with the knowledge and values needed to navigate the online space responsibly. Through its participation in the 2026 Annual Citizenship Week Celebration, the Commission is engaging pupils in various basic schools across the municipality on their rights, responsibilities, and conduct in the digital world.

The Annual Citizenship Week Celebration is one of the flagship programmes of the NCCE aimed at promoting civic consciousness and creating awareness of citizens’ rights and responsibilities. This year's activities are being carried out in several schools within the municipality, including Dormass JHS, St. Dominic JHS, Yesu Mo Preparatory JHS, Islamic JHS, Ansuaa Ababio JHS, and Anglican JHS, with more engagements still underway.

Held under the theme, “Growing Up Digital: The Ghanaian Child Upholding the Constitution Online,” the programme sought to educate pupils on the opportunities and challenges associated with digital technology and social media use. The engagements focused on helping pupils understand how constitutional values and responsible citizenship apply not only in physical spaces but also in the digital environment.

During the sessions, resource persons highlighted the numerous benefits of digital technology, including access to information, educational resources, communication, and civic participation. However, they also cautioned pupils about the risks associated with the online space, such as misinformation, disinformation, cybercrime, identity theft, cyberbullying, and the misuse of rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution.

Furthermore, participants were encouraged to demonstrate responsible behaviour online by respecting the rights and opinions of others, communicating truthfully, safeguarding personal information, and using technology primarily for educational and productive purposes. The facilitators emphasized that responsible digital citizenship is essential in protecting both individual and national interests.

A key message delivered during the engagements was the concept of the digital footprint. Resource persons explained that every action taken online leaves a permanent record that could affect future opportunities. Pupils were therefore advised to think carefully before posting, sharing, or commenting on social media platforms, as inappropriate content could negatively impact future educational, professional, and personal prospects.

Additionally, the pupils were introduced to relevant laws governing online conduct in Ghana, including provisions relating to national security, defamation, and cybercrime. They were urged to exercise caution when using digital platforms to avoid becoming victims or perpetrators of online offences and to protect themselves from potential legal consequences.

The programme was highly interactive, with pupils and teachers actively participating by asking questions, sharing personal experiences, and contributing to discussions. Their enthusiasm and engagement contributed significantly to the success of the initiative and demonstrated a growing interest in responsible digital citizenship.

The resource persons for the engagements included Mr. Seth Broni Tagborloh, Municipal Director; Miss Sandra Obour Sarfowaa; Mr. Samuel Azerigo, Mr. Patrick Adjei, and Mr. Eric Arkson. Together, they reaffirmed the NCCE's commitment to nurturing informed, responsible, and law-abiding digital citizens capable of contributing positively to national development.