NHIA Kampus Konnect: Drug abuse takes away opportunities – Anatu Seidu Bogobiri to students

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Anatu Seidu Bogobiri, says drug abuse is causing many talented young people to lose opportunities that could shape their future.

Speaking at the Kampus Konnect programme for students from universities, colleges of education and nursing training institutions in the Upper East Region, Madam Bogobiri urged the youth to avoid substance abuse and focus on building successful careers.

Drawing from her experience working with young people, she said many talented students have seen their ambitions cut short because of choices they believed they could manage.

“As a mother and as someone who has interacted with many young people over the years, I have seen brilliant students lose opportunities because of decisions they thought they could control,” she said.

Madam Bogobiri explained that drug abuse often begins with seemingly harmless decisions, but can gradually affect a person’s judgment, discipline and ability to achieve set goals.

“Most addictions don’t begin with a big decision. It usually starts small, ‘just try it once,’ ‘everybody is doing it,’ or ‘it will help you relax,’” she stated.

According to her, what begins as experimentation can eventually have far-reaching consequences.

“But slowly, those choices begin to take away your focus, your discipline, your health, and eventually your future,” she added.

She observed that many young people today face immense pressure from different sources, including social media, peers, and the desire to succeed, making them vulnerable to unhealthy coping mechanisms.

“The truth is, being young today is not easy. There is pressure everywhere. Pressure to succeed. Pressure to fit in. Pressure from social media. Pressure from friends,” she said.

Madam Bogobiri urged students to use their years in school productively and avoid actions that could undermine their potential.

“Your years in school are meant to prepare you for greatness, not destroy your potential,” she noted.

She also encouraged students facing emotional or psychological challenges to seek support rather than turn to drugs, stressing that there is no shame in asking for help.

The Deputy NHIA Boss advised students to remain focused on their aspirations, saying the choices they make today will determine the opportunities available to them in the future and their ability to contribute meaningfully to national development.