Tempane NCCE Intensifies Citizenship Week Engagements in Basic Schools

A simple click, post or comment can shape a child’s future, either positively or negatively. This was the central message when the Tempane District Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) intensified its Citizenship Week engagements with basic school pupils in the district.

As part of the annual Citizenship Week celebration, the NCCE engaged pupils of Kpinkpanyoung Junior High School and Upper Primary, as well as Tempane Junior High School and Primary, on responsible digital citizenship and constitutional awareness.

The engagement was held under the theme “Upholding Our Constitution in the Digital Age: Our Collective Responsibility.” It sought to educate pupils on how the Constitution guides their conduct as citizens and how they can apply constitutional values in their everyday lives, including their behaviour online.

Addressing the pupils, Mr. Pasiba Williams, District Officer in charge of programmes, explained that the Constitution of Ghana is the supreme law of the land. He said it teaches citizens how to live peacefully, respect one another, obey the laws of the country, and contribute to national development.

Mr. Williams noted that while the Constitution protects the rights of citizens, it also places responsibilities on them. He reminded the pupils that freedom of expression is a right, but it must be exercised with discipline, respect and a sense of responsibility.

According to him, children must be careful about how they use mobile phones, social media and other digital platforms. He advised them to think carefully before posting, commenting or sharing information online, stressing that irresponsible digital behaviour can have serious consequences.

He cautioned the pupils against spreading fake news, insulting others, engaging in cyberbullying, or sharing harmful content. Drawing from experience, he cited an incident involving some students who used a smartphone to make insulting and inappropriate remarks about a former president and were later dismissed from school. He used the example to remind pupils that online actions can affect their school life, friendships, family reputation, and future opportunities.

Mr. Williams also warned pupils not to allow strangers online to deceive them into sharing nude pictures or videos, passwords, phone numbers, Ghana Card details or other personal information. He urged them to avoid chatting with suspicious strangers and to report any uncomfortable online interaction to trusted adults, teachers or appropriate authorities.

“Cyberbullying has become common, and we should not entertain it. Avoid chatting with strangers on social media and report them,” he advised.

Pupils were further encouraged to use their voices and digital devices to promote peace, truth, respect, and safety. Mr. Williams reminded them that positive words can build unity, while harmful messages can create conflict, fear and pain.

He also offered practical safety tips, including avoiding the use of mobile phones during rainfall and while cooking with gas, explaining that personal safety must always come first.

Mr. Zibirina Abdulai Bamboori, patron of Tempane JHS, also advised the pupils to be cautious in their dealings with strangers, especially in the digital space. He warned them against sharing vital personal information and encouraged them to take civic education programmes seriously, since such lessons can help shape them into responsible citizens.

The engagement ended with a call on pupils to embrace responsible digital citizenship by thinking before clicking, posting with respect, and using social media to help make Ghana better.