Apremdo: The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has warned that internet abuses, including misinformation and cybercrime, posed a threat to Ghana's stability and democratic development. Mr. Lan Kwame Tugbenu, Deputy Western Regional Director of the NCCE, said Ghana continued to experience the effects of misinformation, disinformation, cybercrime, invasion of privacy, impersonation, digital fraud, and online abuse targeting children and women.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Tugbenu, speaking at the regional celebration of this year's Constitution Week in Apremdo, emphasized that the digital space has become central to how Ghanaians communicate, access information, and participate in national discourse, as well as conduct business and access services. However, this shift has also introduced complex challenges, undermining public trust, distorting national conversations, and posing risks to social cohesion and security, with potential effects on the country's democracy. He stressed that these issues need to be addressed as Ghana's democracy is young and requires nurturing for posterity.
The celebration was held under the theme: 'Upholding Our Constitution in the Digital Age: Our Collective Responsibility.' Mr. Tugbenu highlighted that ignoring developments in the digital space could threaten the nation's constitutional democracy. The NCCE is intensifying education and awareness to inform citizens about the consequences of misinformation and related cybercrimes, while also promoting digital technologies as tools for accessing civic and constitutional information.
He stressed the importance of promoting responsible digital engagement that respects the rule of law, democratic principles, and the rights of others. 'It is therefore a shared duty to combat misinformation, protect fundamental freedoms, and encourage civic responsibility in digital spaces,' he stated. The Deputy Regional Director acknowledged that while the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) provides a legal framework to address cybercrime and protect digital infrastructure, gaps remain in public awareness of responsible behavior online, particularly among young people and those in the informal sector.
Looking ahead, Mr. Tugbenu announced that the 2026 Constitution Week Celebration would focus on practical civic education linking constitutional values, digital behavior, and national stability. He called on the media to amplify civic messages and promote responsible digital discourse, urging parents and guardians to monitor their wards' use of the digital space. Additionally, he emphasized that security services have a role to play in ensuring cyber safety within the democratic dispensation.
Constitution Week, instituted in 2001, commemorates Ghana's return to constitutional democratic rule following the April 1998 referendum.