The Ahafo Regional Command of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has intensified its anti-drug campaign in the Ahafo Ano North Municipality, extending sensitisation activities to basic and senior high schools in Tepa as part of the 2026 World Drug Day observance.
The outreach programme, held in collaboration with the Ahafo Ano North Municipal Directorate of Education, brought together more than 2,000 students and teachers from selected schools, including Tepa Roman Catholic Basic School, Wesley Methodist Basic School, Saviour Municipal Assembly Basic School, Tepa Anglican Basic School and Tepa Senior High School.
Acting Ahafo Regional Commander of NACOC, Assistant Narcotics Control Officer Emmanuel Omari Abankwa, said the initiative was designed to deepen awareness among young people on the dangers of drug and substance abuse and its long-term consequences on education and future opportunities.
He cautioned students against experimenting with drugs, warning that substance abuse could derail their academic progress and damage their prospects in life. The campaign was held under the theme: *“The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, and Innovative Responses.”*
Participants were educated on the health and social risks associated with drug abuse, emerging patterns in illicit drug use, and modern approaches to combating the global drug threat. Mr Abankwa also highlighted the growing influence of synthetic drugs and the role of technology in their production and distribution.
He urged students to embrace discipline, adopt healthy lifestyles, and report drug-related activities to relevant security agencies, including NACOC and the Police Service.
The Head of NACOC’s Drug Demand Reduction Unit in the region, Assistant Narcotics Control Officer Patience Nyagah, reinforced the message, stressing that compliance with laws and avoidance of drugs would contribute to a safer society. She also encouraged students to resist peer pressure.
The Municipal Directorate of Education Public Relations Officer, Mr Combert Nicholas, commended NACOC for the engagement, describing it as timely and impactful. He urged students to stay away from drug-related activities.
At Tepa Senior High School, the Head of Guidance and Counselling, Reverend Evans Ofori, warned that strict disciplinary measures would be taken against any student found engaging in drug abuse, underscoring the school’s zero-tolerance stance on the issue.
