Dr. Apaak urges students to ‘shun’ drug usage, embrace discipline

The Deputy Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr. Clement Abass Apaak, has called on students across Ghana to hold onto discipline, respect authority, and focus on their studies.

He cautioned against the dangers of hard drug use in schools.

Dr. Apaak made these remarks during the 50th anniversary celebration of Zamse Senior Technical School (ZAMSE) in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region. The event brought together students, teachers, parents, alumni, and key education stakeholders to celebrate the school’s five decades of academic excellence and discuss strategies to strengthen learning environments for current and future students.

Speaking to learners, Dr. Apaak highlighted the role of personal choices in shaping one’s academic and professional journey.

“You have a role to play in your own education. That role requires you to be disciplined, respectful, and dedicated to your studies,” he stated.

He cautioned students against indulging in bad habits, specifically the use of hard drugs and alcohol. He noted that substances such as Tramadol and the increasingly abused drug known as “RED” pose serious threats to students’ futures.

“You have a future. We are counting on you,” he emphasized, urging students to consider the long-term consequences of their actions and reflect on where they hope to be in the next 10, 20, or even 50 years.

Dr. Apaak also encouraged students to draw inspiration from notable alumni. “Would you want to be like Isaac Adongo, our Naba Chair, our old student, the professor? If you want to achieve or even go beyond these successes, then take what I am telling you very seriously,” he said.

In addition, he stressed the importance of complementing teachers’ efforts with dedication and good behavior. “If you do not complement their effort, you will not have a future,” he warned.

Turning to school authorities, Dr. Apaak applauded their dedication to mentoring young learners and encouraged them to continue shaping students who can emerge as future leaders.

He further reminded parents to take an active role in guiding their children, monitoring their habits and educational needs, and investing patience and support in their development. He assured parents that such efforts often yield significant results, citing examples of families whose commitment has helped children achieve success and contribute meaningfully to the nation.

Zamse Senior High Technical School is a second-cycle co-educational institution located in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region of Ghana.

The school was formally established in 1976 as a junior high school located in Bukere. However, on the 10th of October, 1979 it was changed to a technical senior high school and relocated to Bolgatanga.