NCCE Central Tongu Educates Pupils on Constitutional Duties in the Digital Age

Pupils from selected schools in the Central Tongu District have been encouraged to use digital platforms responsibly and uphold the values of the 1992 Constitution as part of this year’s Citizenship Week Celebration.

The engagement, organised by the Central Tongu District Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education, Adidome, brought together pupils from Mawoekpor D/A Basic School, Mafi-Wute R/C Junior High School, and Light of the World Academy.

Held under the theme, “Growing Up Digital: The Ghanaian Child Upholding the Constitution Online,” the sessions focused on responsible social media use, safe online conduct, and the need for children to respect the rights and dignity of others in the digital space.

The resource persons, Mr. George A. K. Amey, Central Tongu District Director of the NCCE, and Miss Victoria Afi Bosson of the NCCE Central Tongu District Office, took the pupils through their duties as young citizens and how those duties apply to their online activities.

They explained that while the Constitution guarantees rights such as freedom of expression, these rights must be exercised responsibly. The pupils were reminded that every citizen has a duty to obey the law, respect the rights and freedoms of others, and contribute to peace and good order in society.

The discussions also touched on Article 41 of the 1992 Constitution, the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), and the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038). The pupils were helped to understand that the Children’s Act promotes the welfare and protection of children, while the Cybersecurity Act provides a legal framework for addressing cyber threats and promoting safer use of digital systems.

Through interactive dialogue, the learners discussed the dangers of misinformation, disinformation, cyberbullying, online insults, and the careless sharing of personal information. They were encouraged to verify information before sharing it and avoid forwarding messages, images, or videos whose sources they cannot confirm.

Mr. Amey and Miss Bosson further reminded the pupils that irresponsible online behaviour can harm others, damage reputations, create fear, and disturb peace within communities. They urged the children to use digital platforms for learning, positive communication, creativity, and national development.

At the end of the sessions, the pupils pledged to verify information before sharing, respect others online, avoid falsehood, and use digital platforms responsibly.

The Citizenship Week activities helped the pupils appreciate that good citizenship must be practised both offline and online. The engagement also reinforced the NCCE’s commitment to nurturing responsible young citizens who can contribute positively to Ghana’s democratic development in the digital age.