NCCE SEKYERE CENTRAL EDUCATES STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND GES STAFF ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP

The Sekyere Central District Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has sensitised pupils, students, teachers and Ghana Education Service (GES) staff to environmental protection, discipline and responsible citizenship during an inter-school sports competition at the KK Sarpong Sports Complex in Beposo.

The competition, which featured football, volleyball and handball, provided an opportunity for the Commission to educate participants on their civic responsibilities and the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment. The engagement particularly encouraged young people to become ambassadors of positive change by adopting environmentally responsible practices and influencing others to protect their surroundings.

Addressing participants, the NCCE District Director, Mr. Gordon Yeboah Opoku, highlighted Article 41 of Ghana's 1992 Constitution, which outlines the duties of citizens, including the responsibility to protect and safeguard the environment. He encouraged students and teachers to participate actively in communal labour, maintain clean surroundings and support efforts to preserve natural resources. He further cautioned against destructive environmental practices, particularly illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and unauthorised sand winning, urging participants to report such activities to the appropriate authorities.

Mr. Opoku also emphasised the importance of discipline and responsible behaviour in achieving personal and academic success. He advised students to avoid drug abuse and exercise caution when using social media, explaining that information shared online could have lasting consequences for their reputation and future opportunities. He encouraged the young athletes to demonstrate good conduct both on and off the field, stressing that discipline, respect for rules and responsible decision-making are essential qualities of good citizenship.

Turning to the teachers, the District Director underscored their responsibility as role models whose conduct significantly influences the attitudes and behaviour of learners. He urged them to demonstrate integrity, professionalism and responsible leadership in their interactions with students while continuously reinforcing positive civic values.

The engagement formed part of the Directorate's efforts to promote environmental awareness, discipline and responsible citizenship among young people in the district.