Kpetoe: Mr Christian Ahiawodzi, Agotime-Ziope District Director, National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has implored children to utilise online platforms judiciously and refrain from participating in activities that may result in adverse consequences. He stated that although internet platforms serve as potent educational instruments, users must maintain discipline, accept differing opinions, and behave within the boundaries of cybersecurity legislation to avoid legal repercussions.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Ahiawodzi made these remarks during the launch of the Citizenship Week Celebration by the District Directorate of NCCE in collaboration with World Vision Ghana at Kpetoe in the Agotime-Ziope District of the Volta Region. The programme, themed 'Growing Up Digital: The Ghanaian Child Upholding the Constitution Online,' is set to run for a week with various activities.
Mr Ahiawodzi highlighted children's constitutional obligation to uphold the nation's democratic principles, safeguard the supreme law, and promote a culture of mutual respect both online and offline. He urged participants to respect diverse opinions online and avoid insults, hate speech, or defamatory language. The Commission is currently conducting a nationwide campaign to promote responsible digital citizenship among children.
The Director expressed concern over the increase in cyberbullying and online misconduct among children, emphasizing that cyberspaces should serve as educational tools and venues for positive interaction, rather than for personal attacks. Mr Ahiawodzi also warned against the rapid spread of unverified information, advising participants to verify the authenticity of news, images, or videos before sharing them.
He further cautioned against the severe risks associated with taking or disseminating nude photographs, stating that sharing such graphic material is a significant cybercrime that may cause lasting psychological harm to victims. Mr Eric Opoku, Agotime Cluster Programmes Manager for World Vision Ghana, advised educators to prioritise the development of children to mould them into responsible future leaders.