Sunyani West NCCE Promotes Responsible Digital Citizenship Among Pupils During Citizenship Week

As part of activities marking the 2026 Citizenship Week Celebration, the Sunyani West Municipal Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) engaged pupils of Odumase Municipal Assembly Junior High School, Odumase Presbyterian Primary School, and Karlvero Preparatory School on responsible digital citizenship and constitutional values.

The educational programme, held on Friday, 5th June 2026, was organized under the sub-theme, “Growing Up Digital: The Ghanaian Child Upholding the Constitution Online.” The engagement sought to equip pupils with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the digital space responsibly while promoting the values enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.

Addressing the pupils, Mrs. Gertrude Oppong Ansu, Senior Civic Education Officer, emphasized the importance of demonstrating good behaviour both online and offline. She encouraged the learners to use digital platforms responsibly and ethically, noting that responsible online conduct contributes to personal safety and the protection of other internet users.

She further explained that while children enjoy various rights under the Constitution, they also have corresponding responsibilities. According to her, understanding the relationship between rights and responsibilities is essential for becoming responsible and law-abiding citizens capable of contributing positively to society.

Transitioning to the challenges associated with the misuse of digital platforms, Mrs. Margaret Abrafi Appiah, Municipal Director of the Commission, commended the pupils of Karlvero Preparatory School for their positive contributions towards upholding constitutional values. She, however, expressed concern over the growing tendency of some young people to misuse social media and other digital platforms.

Mrs. Appiah cautioned the pupils against engaging in harmful online activities and urged them to adhere to accepted social media ethics. She stressed that responsible digital behaviour is necessary to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive online environment for all users.

Also contributing to the discussions, Mr. Mawulolo Anane, an Emerging Public Leaders Ghana Fellow serving with the Commission, engaged pupils of the Municipal Assembly Junior High School on the consequences of irresponsible online conduct. He highlighted the potential risks associated with cyberbullying, misinformation, online abuse, and other harmful digital practices.

Mr. Anane encouraged the learners to make good use of technology by employing digital platforms for education, personal development, and constructive communication. He reminded them that every action taken online leaves a digital footprint and can have lasting consequences on their reputation and future opportunities.

The interactive sessions provided pupils with the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and deepen their understanding of responsible digital citizenship. Through the discussions, learners gained valuable insights into the importance of protecting themselves online, respecting the rights of others, and using digital technologies in ways that promote national development.

At the end of the programme, the pupils pledged to desist from spreading misinformation and to refrain from engaging in digital activities that undermine the Constitution and values of the country. They also committed themselves to becoming responsible digital citizens who contribute positively to society.

The engagement successfully reinforced the objectives of Citizenship Week by empowering pupils with practical knowledge on online safety, constitutional responsibilities, and ethical digital behaviour. It also highlighted the Commission’s commitment to nurturing a generation of informed, responsible, and civic-minded young citizens.