Security Services Must Champion Digital Safety, NCCE Western Regional Director Urges Prisons Officers

Security personnel have been urged to become active ambassadors of responsible digital behaviour as Ghana continues to confront the growing risks of misinformation, online abuse, cyber fraud and other forms of digital misconduct.

The Western Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Mr. Andrews Ofori Larbi, made the call during an engagement with officers and personnel of the Ghana Prisons Service in Sekondi.

The engagement formed part of activities marking the NCCE’s Annual Constitution Week celebration and was held under the theme, “Upholding the Constitution in the Digital Age: A Collective Responsibility.”

Addressing the officers, Mr. Larbi said security personnel occupy important positions in society and must use their influence to promote digital safety and online security awareness within their communities. He encouraged personnel of the Ghana Prisons Service to share their knowledge and experiences with residents in the communities where they live, especially on the responsible and lawful use of digital platforms.

He explained that the Constitution does not only guide citizens’ conduct in physical spaces but also applies to their actions in the digital environment. According to him, while freedom of expression remains a fundamental right, it must be exercised responsibly and within the limits of the law.

Mr. Larbi reminded participants that Article 41 of the 1992 Constitution places a duty on every citizen to uphold and defend the Constitution and to contribute to the peace, unity and development of the country. He stressed that this responsibility extends to how citizens communicate, share information, and interact online.

The session also focused on the dangers associated with the misuse of digital platforms. Participants were sensitized on the effects of spreading false information, engaging in online abuse, promoting harmful content, and participating in digital fraud. Mr. Larbi noted that such actions could threaten individual safety, damage reputations, undermine public trust, and affect national security.

As part of the engagement, the officers were also taken through key provisions of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), which addresses cyber offences and provides legal protection for users of digital platforms.

The programme sought to deepen participants’ understanding of their constitutional responsibilities in the digital age and encourage them to promote lawful, respectful and responsible online conduct.

Mr. Larbi concluded by urging security personnel to take the lead in building safer digital spaces, noting that responsible digital citizenship is essential to protecting peace, security and national development.