The Kabaka Foundation has intensified efforts to curb the growing menace of drug abuse among students in Senior High Schools with a sensitization campaign held at St. Peter’s Senior High School in Nkwatia -Kwahu in Eastern Region.
The initiative forms part of the Foundation’s broader goal of preparing young people to abstain from the use and abuse of narcotic substances and to make informed decisions that safeguard their health and future.
Drug abuse among students has become a growing concern, with many Senior High Schools reportedly serving as breeding grounds for drug initiation through peer influence.
A rehabilitated drug addict, Joe Boye, who is now partnering with the Kabaka Foundation in its anti-drug campaign, shared his personal experience, revealing how drug use during his days in Senior High School nearly destroyed his life.
“I was introduced into drugs in school, and it affected my academic performance and pushed me into crime. But after years of struggle, I went through rehabilitation and changed my life. Now, I want to use my story to inspire students to stay away from drugs,” he said.
The sensitization program at St. Peter’s SHS saw students taken through extensive education on the implications, dangers, and setbacks associated with drug abuse.
A Psychiatric Specialist at the Eastern Regional Hospital, Dr. Gyanwa Opare-Addo, revealed that wee, otherwise known as marijuana, remains the most commonly abused narcotic substance among students in the region.
Dr. Gyanwa emphasized that cases of drug abuse among young people have increased in the Eastern Region, attributing the rise to peer influence, curiosity, and mental health challenges.
“I’m here today at the St.Peter’s Senior High School to speak to the students on substance abuse and its impact.And we are here to educate these students to know the effects of taking.substances.We also made them aware of a lot of substances that is being taken and is being used in this country.And the ways to be able to avoid them so that they will be able to stay well and be able to stay away from any form of addiction.
She urged management of Senior High Schools to roll out effective anti-drug abuse policies that also prioritizes counselling to curb rising cases of drug abuse.
The Executive Director of the Kabaka Foundation, Dr. Henry Larbi, underscored the need for consistent education on the dangers of narcotic substances, especially among school-going youth.
He disclosed that the Foundation has plans to extend the campaign to other schools across the Eastern Region as part of its mission to build a generation free from drug abuse and its devastating effects.
The Kabaka Foundation, chaired by the Nkosuohene of Nkwatia-Kwahu, Nana Owiredu Wadie I, who is also Peace Ambassador continues to support youth development, education, and health-related initiatives through its social intervention programs.
The Foundation says its ongoing sensitization drive will empower students to make responsible choices and contribute to a safer, drug-free society.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com
