By Kingsley Mamore, GNA
Kete-Krachi (O/R), July 14, GNA- The Oti Regional Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has engaged personnel of various security agencies in the Krachi East Municipality on their constitutional responsibilities in safeguarding Ghana’s democracy amid the growing influence of digital technology.
The engagement, held at the Presbyterian Church Auditorium in Kete-Krachi, formed part of activities marking the Commission’s 2026 Constitution Week Celebration on the theme: “Upholding the Constitution in the Digital Age: Our Collective Responsibility – The Role of Security Agencies.”
The programme brought together personnel from the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana Navy, National Ambulance service and other security institutions to discuss emerging digital threats and the role of security agencies in protecting constitutional governance, human rights and national security.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr Bright Agbodeka, a National Commissioner of the NCCE, described the 1992 Constitution as the supreme law of Ghana and the foundation upon which the country’s democratic governance, rule of law and protection of fundamental human rights are built.
He said that although rapid technological advancement had transformed communication, governance, commerce and access to information, it had equally created new challenges that demanded greater vigilance and professionalism from security institutions.
Mr Agbodeka identified misinformation, disinformation, cybercrime, identity theft, online fraud, cyberbullying, hate speech and the misuse of social media as growing threats capable of undermining national cohesion, public confidence in state institutions and the country’s democratic gains.
He said security agencies occupied a strategic position in safeguarding constitutional governance in the digital era, stressing that their mandate extended beyond maintaining law and order to protecting the rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution.
“The Constitution places enormous responsibility on security agencies to enforce the law without fear or favour while respecting the dignity and rights of every individual,” he said.
Mr Agbodeka urged officers to enforce both conventional and cyber-related laws with professionalism, impartiality, accountability and strict adherence to due process, noting that public confidence in security institutions depended largely on their commitment to fairness and integrity.
He advised security personnel to continuously build their capacity in digital investigations and cybercrime prevention to effectively respond to emerging technological threats while ensuring that law enforcement actions remained consistent with constitutional principles.
Touching on the role of citizens, Mr Agbodeka said safeguarding the Constitution was a collective responsibility that required the active participation of every Ghanaian.
He called on the public to become responsible digital citizens by verifying information before sharing it, avoiding the circulation of false information, respecting the rights and dignity of others online and using digital platforms responsibly to promote peace and national development.
He observed that the increasing use of digital platforms demanded a renewed commitment to civic responsibility, ethical online behaviour and respect for democratic values.
Mr Agbodeka further called for stronger collaboration among the NCCE, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations, educational institutions, traditional authorities and technology stakeholders to intensify public education on constitutional rights, digital safety and responsible citizenship.
He said sustained civic education remained one of the most effective tools for strengthening democratic governance, promoting peaceful coexistence and empowering citizens to appreciate both their rights and responsibilities under the Constitution.
He urged security agencies to continue serving as guardians of Ghana’s constitutional democracy by ensuring that technological advancement strengthened rather than weakened the country’s democratic institutions and values.
Participants commended the initiative and described the engagement as timely, citing the increasing use of digital technology and social media and the need for continuous education on constitutional governance and responsible digital conduct.
The programme forms part of the NCCE’s annual Constitution Week Celebration, which seeks to deepen citizens’ appreciation of the 1992 Constitution, promote constitutionalism, strengthen democratic governance and encourage active civic participation across the country.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah