Accra, July 3, GNA – The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and the Narcotics Control Commission, has launched a nationwide Behavioural Change Communication Campaign to combat the growing incidence of drug abuse in schools across the country.
As part of the initiative, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, has directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to introduce a daily anti-drug awareness message in all pre-tertiary schools nationwide.
Effective immediately, students will recite the approved campaign message during morning assemblies after the National Anthem and before the National Pledge.
The campaign message is as follows:
Leader: “Don’t start it as a greeting.”
Students: “To live in regret.”
A statement signed by Mr Hashmin Mohammed, Press Secretary to the Minister of Education, and issued to the Ghana News Agency, said the initiative formed part of the Government’s proactive efforts to protect learners from the harmful effects of substance abuse.
The statement said the campaign sought to promote safe, healthy and disciplined learning environments while discouraging drug use among school-aged children.
It is also intended to strengthen preventive education and encourage responsible decision-making among learners.
The campaign, it noted, would be supported by sustained public education programmes, school-based sensitisation activities, stakeholder engagements, and enhanced collaboration among educational institutions, parents, community leaders and other key partners.
The Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing and future of every learner and called on all stakeholders to support the national effort to eliminate drug abuse from schools and other educational institutions across the country.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe