Prize Giving Day at NAVASCO: Dr. Apaak  unveils school-based measures to fight student drug addiction

Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Abas Apaak has announced a set of school-based measures aimed at curbing the growing threat of drug abuse among students across Ghana.

Speaking at the 8th NABIA co-sponsored Speech and Prize Giving Day at Navrongo Senior High School (NAVASCO) on Saturday, November 1, Dr. Apaak said the Ministry of Education is adopting a preventive, rehabilitative, and collaborative approach to address substance abuse in schools.

“The scourge of drug abuse is real and silently destroying the dreams of many young people,” he warned. “It undermines education, distorts lives, and erodes the very human capital we seek to build.”

He said the new approach focuses on four key areas: prevention through education, early detection, supportive school environments, and strong partnerships with communities and government agencies.

Under the prevention pillar, Dr. Apaak said drug-awareness education will be integrated into school curricula and assemblies, while students will benefit from life-skills training to help them resist peer pressure.

“A young person equipped with decision-making and stress management skills is less likely to slip,” he explained.

The second pillar, early detection, involves training teachers to identify warning signs such as absenteeism, behavioural changes and declining performance.

“Early identification allows early intervention. The aim is rehabilitation and restoration, not just punishment,” he said.

Dr. Apaak stressed the need for supportive school environments that combine firm discipline with emotional guidance.

“Reinforcing rules is essential, but schools must also provide mentoring, tutoring and wellness programmes,” he added. “Idle minds are neglected minds; engaging students meaningfully leaves less room for harmful behaviours.”

He called for stronger collaboration between schools, parents, and alumni associations such as NABIA, noting that family involvement and mentoring are vital in preventing drug use.

“The home is the first classroom, and parents are the first teachers,” he reminded.

The deputy minister said the Ministry will continue to work with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and security agencies to clamp down on the sale of drugs near schools.

“If we are to build Ghana’s human capital, we must safeguard the physical, mental, and moral well-being of our youth,” Dr. Apaak noted.