By Kingsley Mamore, GNA
Dambai (O/R), Oct 27, GNA – Madam Ella Faith Ashong, Acting Regional Director of the Oti Regional Department of Children (DoC), has urged students in the region to cultivate discipline, remain focused on their education and resist peer pressure to engage in drug abuse.
She made the call during a sensitisation programme organised by the Department for selected second-cycle institutions in the Krachi East Municipality to educate students on the dangers of substance abuse and promote responsible decision-making.
The participating institutions were Oti Senior High Technical School, Yabram Community Day Senior High School, and Dambai Technical Institute.
Madam Ashong said the initiative formed part of the Department’s mandate to promote the protection and welfare of children and adolescents through education, advocacy and the implementation of programmes aimed at preventing abuse and harmful behaviours.
She said the programme also supported the Ghanaians Against Child Abuse (GACA) campaign, which sought to educate young people on their rights, responsibilities and the importance of making informed choices.
Madam Ashong expressed concern about the use of substances such as cannabis, cocaine and tramadol among young people, warning that substance abuse could undermine their physical and mental well-being, academic performance and prospects.
She urged parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to strengthen guidance and supervision to help adolescents resist negative influences and develop healthy habits.
She also encouraged them to be courageous in reporting suspected abuse or harmful practices to the Department of Children, school authorities, or trusted family members for appropriate intervention.
Mr Elijah Adjumani, a Social Worker with Chance for Children, cautioned students against the use of illicit drugs and the misuse of prescription medicines, noting that substance abuse could have serious consequences for their health, education and social development.
He explained that drug abuse was not limited to males, as both boys and girls could be affected by substance-related problems.
Mr Adjumani further warned that the misuse of substances, including cannabis, tramadol and cocaine, could contribute to harmful behaviours, including sexual harassment, within schools and the wider community.
He said substance abuse could also encourage behavioural problems and distract students from their academic responsibilities, thereby jeopardising their long-term aspirations.
Mr Adjumani urged students to avoid illicit drugs and the misuse of medicines, adding that offences involving prohibited substances could attract legal consequences.
He called for greater cooperation among students, parents, teachers and community leaders to strengthen prevention efforts and promote a drug-free environment for young people.
The Coordinator of Youth Alert, Reverend Richard Yaw Tenu, encouraged students to devote more time to their studies and develop the discipline necessary to achieve their educational and career aspirations.
He said discipline, self-control and dedication were essential qualities for academic success and responsible adulthood.
Reverend Tenu urged the students to remain focused, seek guidance from responsible adults and emulate positive role models in society.
He also encouraged them to make informed decisions, remain committed to their education and avoid behaviours that could compromise their future.
The programme formed part of efforts to sensitise adolescents to the dangers of substance abuse and equip them with the knowledge and confidence to make responsible choices.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade