The Upper East Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has expressed concern over increasing substance abuse among students, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to education and national development.
The Deputy Regional Director of Education, John Ankoh, said reports from schools indicate that drug abuse is contributing to disturbances, indiscipline, and poor academic outcomes among students.
Speaking during a seminar organised by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) for Senior High School Guidance and Counselling Coordinators, Mr Ankoh said the Ghana Education Service recently partnered with the Ghana Police Service to educate students on the dangers of riots and violent conduct in schools.
He revealed that many school heads linked recent disturbances in schools to drug use by some students.
“Drugs facilitate crime. Many of the disturbances and riots we have witnessed in our schools have been associated with substance abuse,” he stated.
Mr Ankoh explained that the training would equip counsellors with practical skills to identify at-risk students and provide guidance services aimed at preventing drug abuse.
He expressed concern about evolving trends in substance abuse, noting that some students are increasingly turning to mixtures of legal substances such as energy drinks, cough syrups, and alcoholic beverages to achieve intoxicating effects.
According to him, students are also consuming cannabis-infused products disguised as biscuits, toffees, and other snacks, making detection more difficult.
“These substances may appear harmless because they are legal products, but when they are abused or mixed inappropriately, they can cause serious health complications, including organ failure,” he warned.
The Deputy Director recounted cases where students had admitted to using drugs and even identified communities where such substances were being sold.
He further revealed that some parents are unknowingly or deliberately exposing their children to harmful substances, while certain communities continue to provide easy access to drugs.
Mr Ankoh stressed that tackling substance abuse requires a coordinated effort involving schools, parents, communities, security agencies, and policymakers.
He called for intensified education campaigns in both Senior and Junior High Schools and urged authorities to deal firmly with individuals involved in the sale and distribution of drugs to children.
“We are not leaving any stone unturned in addressing drug abuse in our schools because the future of our children and the nation depends on it,” he said.
A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Bolgatanga
