The Vice President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Rebecca Ekpe, has called for a stronger and more structured partnership between the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the media to deepen civic education and strengthen Ghana’s democracy.
Speaking at the NCCE 2026 Press Soirée in Accra, on the theme “Strengthening Civic Education through Strategic Partnerships,” Ms. Ekpe said civic education was essential to producing informed, responsible and active citizens who understood their rights and responsibilities and participated meaningfully in democratic governance.
She said the NCCE and the media must move beyond occasional collaboration towards sustained and strategic partnerships capable of taking civic education to citizens across the country.
“The NCCE cannot achieve this mandate alone. The media is a critical partner.”
According to her, radio, television, newspapers and digital platforms provide the reach and influence required to bring civic education into homes and communities.
She proposed regular civic education programmes, public discussions, documentaries and community engagements as some of the practical ways the two institutions could strengthen their collaboration.
Civic education must connect with everyday life
Ms. Ekpe stressed that civic education should not remain largely theoretical but must be connected to the everyday experiences and responsibilities of citizens.
She said citizens must be empowered to understand the Constitution, vote responsibly, reject corruption, protect public property and demand accountability from public officials.
Young people must be at the centre
The GJA Vice President also called for greater emphasis on young people, particularly as digital platforms increasingly shape how they consume news and information.
She urged the NCCE and media organisations to adopt innovative approaches and digital platforms that would make civic education more accessible and engaging to the younger generation while helping them identify and resist misinformation.
Strengthening community and regional media
Ms. Ekpe further advocated stronger collaboration with community and regional media organisations, noting that civic education must reach citizens beyond Accra.
She emphasised the importance of communicating civic messages in languages that citizens understand and through media platforms that are accessible within their communities.
She also called for stronger efforts to protect the integrity of Ghana’s public information space, particularly amid the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation.
Democracy goes beyond elections
The GJA Vice President reminded stakeholders that democracy could not be sustained by elections alone.
“Democracy is not sustained by elections alone. It is sustained by informed and responsible citizens.”
She therefore urged the NCCE and media to deepen their cooperation in promoting civic responsibility, accountability, tolerance and democratic participation.
The Press Soirée, she said, should serve as a platform for renewing the commitment to a more deliberate and structured partnership between the NCCE and the media.
“Let us use the power of the media to inform, educate and empower the Ghanaian citizen.”
Ms. Ekpe concluded with a call for civility as an important ingredient in Ghana’s democratic development:
“Civility does not make us weak; civility makes our democracy stronger.”
The event brought together the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, NCCE Chairperson Madam Kathleen Addy, representatives of the GJA, media owners, editors, journalists, media practitioners and other stakeholders to reflect on how strategic partnerships can strengthen civic education and democratic participation in Ghana.
