The Upper East Regional Command of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has organised a seminar for Guidance and Counselling Coordinators in Senior High Schools across the region to strengthen efforts aimed at preventing drug abuse among students.
The training, held as part of activities marking the 2026 World Drug Day, focused on equipping school counsellors with skills in the early identification and support of students at risk of substance abuse.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Upper East Regional Commander of NACOC, Senior Narcotics Control Officer Saeed Abdul-Aziz, said the increasing exposure of young people to drugs, peer pressure, and misinformation necessitated stronger prevention and intervention measures in schools.
He noted that counsellors occupy a strategic position in shaping students’ attitudes and decisions and can play a critical role in detecting early warning signs of drug abuse.
According to him, the initiative was informed by growing concerns over drug abuse among young people and the realization that school counsellors are best placed to provide timely support before situations escalate.
“We cannot be in the schools all the time, but the counsellors are with the students every day. If we build their capacity, they can identify the signs early and help address the issues before NACOC intervenes,” he said.
Mr Abdul-Aziz disclosed that the program was being implemented simultaneously across all 16 regions following a directive from the Director-General of NACOC.
He said engagements conducted by the commission in schools had revealed worrying trends, including reports of students mixing energy drinks with tramadol and experimenting with other substances.
The Regional Commander stressed that combating drug abuse requires collective action and called on corporate organizations and stakeholders to support NACOC with resources to expand sensitization programs, particularly in remote districts.
He assured participants of the commission’s continued collaboration with schools and other institutions to promote drug-free learning environments and protect the future of Ghana’s youth.
A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah
