NCCE Marks 2026 Citizenship Week with Digital Citizenship Education in Afadzato South District

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Afadzato South District Office, has successfully concluded a series of educational outreach programs in selected basic schools across the district as part of the 2026 Annual Citizenship Week Celebration.

The outreach was held under the theme, "Upholding Our Constitution in the Digital Age: Our Collective Responsibility – Growing Up: The Ghanaian Child Upholding the Constitution Online," and aimed to strengthen pupils' understanding of their civic rights and responsibilities while equipping them with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

Speaking during the engagements, the District Director of the NCCE, Mrs. Ellen A. Amankwa, noted that internet access and digital technology have become an integral part of the lives of many school-age children. She explained that this year's celebration sought to blend traditional civic education with digital citizenship by helping pupils understand how constitutional values apply in both physical and online spaces.

Mrs. Amankwa educated learners on critical issues such as cyberbullying, misinformation, online fraud, and the responsible use of digital platforms. She emphasized that the rights, freedoms, and responsibilities guaranteed under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana extend beyond the physical environment into the digital space.

"The Constitution guides how we live and treat one another, and its principles apply both offline and online," she stated.

She encouraged pupils to think critically before posting, sharing, or commenting on social media and advised them to verify information before forwarding it in order to help curb the spread of misinformation. She also urged learners to protect their personal information by refraining from sharing phone numbers, passwords, current locations, or photographs with strangers online.

On the issue of cyberbullying, Mrs. Amankwa called on pupils to reject all forms of online harassment and encouraged them to report incidents of cyberbullying or suspicious online activities to parents, teachers, school authorities, trusted adults, or the appropriate institutions.

"Reporting concerns promptly is a critical step in preventing harm, protecting victims, and creating a safer digital environment for everyone," she added.

The Afadzato South District Girl-Child Coordinator, Madam Comfort Akorfa Kpornu, also addressed the pupils, commending the initiative and stressing the importance of responsible online behavior. She reminded learners that their digital footprints can have lasting real-world consequences.

"Words shared online have the power to promote peace and respect or to cause serious harm," she noted.

Madam Kpornu encouraged the pupils to conduct themselves with dignity, integrity, and respect at all times, reminding them that they are "kings and queens" whose actions should reflect good character both online and offline. She further emphasized that digital literacy is essential for safeguarding children and preparing them to become responsible citizens and future leaders.

Teachers and head teachers who participated in the program expressed appreciation to the NCCE for the timely initiative. They commended the practical knowledge shared with the pupils and appealed for similar educational engagements to be organized regularly to reinforce responsible citizenship and promote safe online practices among learners.