The Danish Children Fund (Danish Children Fund) has urged students in Tamale to prioritise their education and avoid drug misuse, warning that substance abuse threatens their future development and academic success.
The appeal was made during a one-day sensitisation seminar under the “Youths in Focus” initiative, which brought together students, teachers, and officials from the Ghana Police Service, the Narcotics Control Commission, and the Ghana Education Service to educate young people on the dangers of drug abuse and addiction.
The programme forms part of DCF’s broader child welfare and education support efforts aimed at keeping vulnerable children in school while addressing social challenges affecting youth development.
Speaking at the event, Project Manager of DCF and Headmaster of Kalpohin SDA Basic School, Mr. Benjamin Yin, said rising concerns about drug abuse among young people in Tamale necessitated the intervention.
He noted that while the organisation mainly focuses on sponsoring needy children, it has expanded its work to include behavioural and social guidance to help students make responsible life choices.
According to him, 55 vulnerable children are currently benefiting from DCF support, including 23 pupils at Kalpohin SDA School, 18 at Tamale SDA School, and 15 at Jakarayili School. The support includes learning materials, food, and other essentials to prevent school dropouts.
He added that the organisation has also invested in infrastructure, including the construction of classroom blocks and sanitation facilities in beneficiary schools across Tamale.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Richard Akumi cautioned that drug abuse among youth remains a growing security and social concern, requiring joint action from families, schools, and security agencies.
He said the police have intensified operations across Tamale to dismantle drug hotspots and arrest individuals involved in illicit drug activities, while also increasing public education campaigns.
ASP Akumi urged parents to closely monitor their children and strengthen supervision at home, noting that weak family structures and poor oversight contribute significantly to youth involvement in drugs.
A student participant, Miss Danamata Abrewa of Jakarayili, said the session had deepened her understanding of the dangers of drug abuse and encouraged her peers to avoid peer pressure and focus on their studies.
