NCCE Urges Ghanaians to Uphold Constitutional Rights and Responsibilities Online

The Deputy Western Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Mr. Lan Kwame Tugbenu, has reminded Ghanaians that the 1992 Republican Constitution governs their conduct both offline and online.

He said constitutional rights, protections and responsibilities apply equally in the digital space, urging citizens to exercise their freedom of expression responsibly.

Mr. Tugbenu made the remarks when he spoke on Radio 360’s *Abrabo (Life)* program on the theme, **“The Digital Tongue: Where Does Free Speech End?” ** The discussion was held against the backdrop of recent tensions surrounding religious intolerance.

Citing Article 41 of the 1992 Constitution, which outlines the duties of citizens, and Article 12(2), which guarantees freedom from discrimination, including on the grounds of religion, Mr. Tugbenu said freedom of expression had limits where it infringed on the rights and freedoms of others.

“The digital tongue has freedom to speak, but that freedom ends where another’s freedom begins,” he said.

He cautioned citizens against using social media and other digital platforms to spread misinformation and disinformation, warning that such practices could undermine Ghana’s democratic gains.

Also contributing to the discussion, Pastor Emmanuel Duodo urged Christians to exercise restraint when responding to offensive or derogatory comments about Jesus Christ on social media. He encouraged believers to avoid retaliation and promote peace and tolerance in their interactions.

Representing the Ahmadiyya Mission, Alhaj Kofi Yusif Gyampson clarified that Ghana is a secular state and not an Islamic state, stressing that concepts such as Jihad and Sharia Law do not govern the country’s legal and constitutional order.

The panelists, hosted by Pastor Julius, appealed to Ghanaians to respect one another and live peacefully despite differences in religious beliefs.

They emphasized that religious tolerance, responsible digital expression and mutual respect were essential to sustaining peace, national cohesion and Ghana’s continued democratic development.