Kwahu East Marks World Day Against Drug Abuse with School-Based Symposia

The NCCE Kwahu East District Office has participated in a series of school-based symposia to commemorate the 2026 World Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed each year globally on 26 June. The week-long programme, organised by the Ghana Education Service (GES) Guidance and Counselling Department, was held from 26 June to 1 July 2026 across selected senior high schools in the district.

The symposia were organised to educate students on the dangers of drug and substance abuse, promote healthy lifestyles, and encourage informed decision-making among young people.

Ms. Roberta E. Koah, District Director of the NCCE, served as a panel member alongside officers from the Abetifi District Police Command, the Nkwatia Police Command and their respective Criminal Investigation Department (CID) units, representatives of the Ghana Health Service, and officers from the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development.

The team visited St. Dominic’s Senior Technical School, St. Peter’s Boys Senior High School, Nkwatia Presbyterian Senior High School, and Abetifi Presbyterian Senior High School, where students actively participated in discussions and interactive question-and-answer sessions.

Speaking at the symposium, the NCCE Kwahu East District Director, Ms. Roberta E. Koah, noted that Africa is the world’s youngest continent, with Ghana having a significant youth population. She said this presents a great opportunity for national development if young people are empowered mentally and physically. However, she expressed concern that many of the youth are vulnerable to drug and substance abuse, adding that countless dreams and aspirations have been lost to the menace. She therefore urged students to make informed choices and stay away from drugs to secure a brighter future.

The collaborative initiative formed part of efforts to strengthen preventive education and foster a drug-free school environment within the Kwahu East District.