The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has intensified efforts to combat the growing incidence of drug abuse among students by equipping school counsellors with the skills needed to identify, prevent and address substance use at an early stage.
The move follows increasing concerns over the involvement of young people in the abuse of both conventional and emerging substances, prompting the Greater Accra Regional Command of NACOC to organise a training workshop for counsellors from Senior High, Vocational and Technical Schools across the region.
Held under the theme, “Strengthening School Counselling Systems for Drug Use Prevention and Early Intervention Among Students,” the one-day workshop sought to build the capacity of counsellors to respond effectively to drug-related challenges within educational institutions.
Addressing participants, the Acting Greater Accra Regional Commander of NACOC, Mr. Abdul Aziz Ali, warned that drug abuse among students was becoming more complex, with many young people increasingly experimenting with synthetic and unconventional substances.
According to him, beyond traditional narcotics such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin, students were now abusing tramadol, shisha and a substance commonly referred to as “red.”
He further disclosed that some young people had resorted to inhaling harmful substances including glue, petrol, paint and turpentine, exposing themselves to severe health risks and long-term damage to vital organs.
Mr. Ali stressed that school counsellors occupied a strategic position in efforts to curb the menace because of their direct and daily interaction with 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 said.
He noted that tackling substance abuse among students required a coordinated approach involving schools, parents, religious institutions, communities and security agencies.
As part of broader prevention efforts, NACOC continues to undertake public sensitisation campaigns in schools, churches, mosques, marketplaces and through various media platforms to reduce drug demand and increase awareness of the dangers associated with substance abuse.
Mr. Ali cited the recent arrest of some students of Central University over alleged drug-related activities as a reminder of the growing challenge facing the country and the need for sustained intervention.
Despite the concerns, he expressed confidence that continued collaboration between stakeholders would help safeguard the future of young people and reduce the prevalence of drug abuse in schools.
Participants at the workshop welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention.
Reverend Father Ernest Agyemang of Achimota School commended NACOC for investing in the capacity of school counsellors, noting that the training had provided practical tools for identifying vulnerable students and offering the necessary support before situations escalated.
He said counsellors play a critical role in helping students navigate challenges such as peer pressure, curiosity and experimentation, which often contribute to substance abuse.
Rev. Fr. Agyemang also underscored the importance of parental involvement in addressing student drug use, especially in boarding schools where students spend significant periods away from home.
He advised students to avoid drugs and focus on their education and personal development, warning that substance abuse could derail their future ambitions and opportunities.
The workshop forms part of NACOC’s ongoing strategy to strengthen preventive systems in schools and empower counsellors to provide guidance, education and early intervention to students at risk.
