NCCE Uses Citizenship Week to Promote Responsible Digital Citizenship on Radio Foso

The Assin Foso Municipal Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has used this year’s Citizenship Week Celebration to educate the public on responsible digital citizenship through a live radio discussion on Radio Foso 97.1 MHz.

The programme, hosted by Mr. Eric Tawiah, focused on the need for citizens, especially children and young people, to uphold the values of the 1992 Constitution while using digital platforms.

Speaking on the programme, Civic Education Officer Madam Adabiyatu Balali Iddrisu explained that Ghana is now living in a digital age where mobile phones, WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook and other online platforms have become part of everyday life. She emphasized that although digital platforms provide opportunities for communication, learning and self-expression, the 1992 Constitution remains the supreme law of the country and must guide the conduct of citizens both online and offline.

She noted that the Constitution guarantees important rights such as the right to education, freedom of expression and access to information. However, she explained that these rights come with responsibilities, including the duty to avoid fake news, cyberbullying, insults, misinformation and the misuse of social media.

Madam Iddrisu stated that the NCCE’s Citizenship Week initiative seeks to educate children early so they grow up understanding their rights, responsibilities and role in national development. According to her, children must be trained to think critically, verify information and use digital platforms responsibly before they become voters and leaders.

“If a 10-year-old can analyze information critically today, then in 10 years’ time Ghana will be a more peaceful place,” she emphasized.

She further stressed that national peace is a shared responsibility, exlaining that the phrase “We the People” in the Constitution includes every Ghanaian, including children. She therefore urged citizens to verify information before sharing and to use social media to promote peace, unity and development.

The interactive session featured phone-in contributions from listeners. One caller appealed to the NCCE to intensify public education, noting that many parents provide mobile phones to their children without proper guidance.

In response, Madam Iddrisu cautioned parents and guardians to guide children in the use of digital devices.

“Buying a phone for a child without guidance is like giving a knife to a three-year-old child,” she said.

She explained that although mobile phones can support learning, children without guidance may be exposed to harmful content, cyberbullying, online abuse and misinformation.

Another caller expressed concern about children being allowed to comment on national issues. Madam Iddrisu responded that children must not be excluded from discussions that affect their future, stressing that they should be encouraged to express themselves responsibly.

The programme formed part of activities marking the 2026 Citizenship Week Celebration, through which the NCCE continues to promote constitutional awareness, civic responsibility and responsible digital citizenship.