By Edward Dankwah, GNA
Accra, June 24, GNA – School counsellors from Senior High, Vocational and Technical Schools across the Greater Accra Region have undergone training aimed at tackling rising drug abuse, strengthening counselling systems for drug use prevention and early intervention among students.
The one-day workshop, organised by the Greater Accra Regional Command of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), was held on the theme: “Strengthening School Counselling Systems for Drug Use Prevention and Early Intervention Among Students.”
Speaking at the event, Mr. Abdul Aziz Ali, the Acting Greater Accra Regional Commander of NACOC, expressed concern over the increasing involvement of students in substance abuse, particularly the growing use of synthetic and unconventional drugs.
He said students were no longer abusing only traditional narcotics such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin, but were increasingly turning to substances including tramadol, shisha and a substance popularly known as “red”.
“Some young people were also inhaling dangerous substances such as glue, petrol, paint and turpentine, with severe consequences for their brains and other vital organs,” he added.
Mr. Ali explained that the workshop was designed to equip school counsellors with knowledge on current drug trends, as well as signs and symptoms that may indicate substance abuse among students.
“The counsellors are with the students in the schools every day, so they are critical partners in helping identify and address these issues early,” he stated.
He noted that the management of schools alone could not address the growing menace, stressing that drug abuse among students required a collective response involving parents, counsellors, security agencies, religious bodies and communities.
Mr. Ali said the NACOC had continued to intensify sensitisation programmes in schools, churches, mosques, marketplaces and through the media as part of efforts to reduce drug demand and increase public awareness.
He referenced the recent arrest of some students from Central University over alleged drug-related activities, describing it as an indication of the scale of the challenge confronting the country.
Despite the growing concerns, he assured participants that NACOC and its partners remained committed to combating drug abuse and protecting the future of young people.
The workshop formed part of the NACOC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen preventive systems in schools and empower counsellors to support students through education, guidance and early intervention.
Reverend Father Ernest Agyemang, from the Achimota School, commended the Commission for organising a workshop aimed at strengthening school counselling systems to tackle drug abuse among students.
He described the programme as timely and beneficial, saying it would help counsellors identify vulnerable students and undertake early intervention measures.
He said the training had equipped counsellors with practical knowledge to support students who may be involved in substance abuse or at risk of experimenting with drugs.
“This programme is very good and will help us as counsellors to identify students who are vulnerable, those using drugs, and provide early intervention for them,” he added.
Rev. Fr. Agyemang stressed the importance of collaboration between schools and parents in addressing substance abuse among students, especially within boarding school environments where students spent most of their time on campus.
He explained that while counsellors often handled cases confidentially, there were situations where parents must be involved to help address the challenges facing their children.
The counsellor also attributed the increasing use of drugs among students to peer pressure, curiosity and experimentation, noting that some students ended up using more than one substance.
He advised students to stay away from drugs, warning that substance abuse could destroy their future, education and personal development.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah