The Dean of Student Affairs at Takoradi Technical University (TTU), Professor Eric Bruce-Amartey Jnr, has raised concerns about the growing involvement of students in substance abuse, sexual irresponsibility and cyber-related misconduct.
Prof. Bruce-Amartey said the trend was putting the academic prospects and future wellbeing of young people at risk, with substance abuse increasingly linked to poor academic performance, mental health challenges, violence, school dropouts and criminal activities.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Takoradi, he identified the misuse of opioids, tramadol, cannabis, alcohol and other harmful substances as major concerns requiring urgent attention from families, schools and society.
He said the health consequences were particularly worrying, noting that substance abuse was increasingly associated with serious conditions such as chronic kidney disease, liver damage and other life-threatening complications.
The Dean also expressed concern over what he described as increasing sexual irresponsibility among adolescents, which he attributed partly to unhealthy media influences, declining parental supervision and distorted social values.
He said unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, emotional trauma, exploitation and interrupted education could derail the lives of young people while also imposing broader costs on national development.
Prof. Bruce-Amartey further highlighted the growing challenge of cyber-related misconduct among students, including cyberbullying, online fraud, identity theft, sextortion, digital addiction and the unethical use of artificial intelligence.
While acknowledging the opportunities created by technology, he stressed that young people must develop a strong sense of responsibility alongside their digital skills.
“Knowledge without integrity is dangerous. Our students must understand that actions in cyberspace carry real-world consequences,” he said.
The Dean called on teachers to pay close attention to changes in students’ emotional and behavioural patterns and intervene early when signs of distress or risky behaviour emerge.
He said teachers’ encouragement, vigilance and timely intervention could play a critical role in protecting young people from destructive choices.
Prof. Bruce-Amartey also appealed to parents to take a more active role in the lives of their children by knowing their friends, monitoring their online activities and providing consistent guidance and emotional support.
“As parents, your greatest responsibility extends beyond providing material needs,” he said.
He urged families and educational institutions to work together to provide young people with the guidance, discipline and support needed to make responsible choices and protect their future.
