By Mildred Siabi-Mensah
Takoradi, Aug. 17, GNA – Professor Eric Bruce-Amartey Jnr, Dean of Student Affairs at the Takoradi Technical University (TTU), has expressed concern over the rising incidence of substance abuse and other social vices among students in educational institutions.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Takoradi, Prof Bruce-Amartey said the misuse of opioids, tramadol, cannabis, alcohol and other harmful substances was destroying promising futures and contributing to poor academic performance, mental health challenges, violence, school dropouts and criminal activities.
He noted that an even greater concern was the growing association between substance abuse and serious health conditions, including chronic kidney disease, liver damage and other life-threatening complications.
The Dean also observed an increase in sexual irresponsibility among adolescents, which he attributed to unhealthy media influences, declining parental supervision and distorted social values.
According to him, the consequences of unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, emotional trauma, exploitation and interrupted education constituted not only personal setbacks but also significant losses to national development.
“We are also witnessing an increase in cyber-related misconduct, including cyberbullying, online fraud, identity theft, sextortion, digital addiction, and the unethical misuse of artificial intelligence,” he said.
Prof Bruce-Amartey stated that although technology offered enormous opportunities, digital competence must be matched with digital responsibility.
“Knowledge without integrity is dangerous. Our students must understand that actions in cyberspace carry real-world consequences,” he added.
He urged teachers to remain attentive to emotional and behavioural changes among students, stressing that “your encouragement, vigilance, and timely intervention may save a young person’s future.”
The Dean further called on parents to be actively involved in their children’s lives by knowing their friends, understanding their online activities and guiding them with love and consistency.
“As parents, your greatest responsibility extends beyond providing material needs,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter Mildred Siabi-Mensah