The Bono East Regional Command of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has organized a capacity-building seminar for guidance and counselling coordinators from Senior High Schools across the region to strengthen efforts at preventing drug abuse among learners.
The seminar, held as part of activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, sought to equip school counsellors with practical knowledge and intervention strategies to identify, support and rehabilitate students struggling with substance abuse rather than resorting to punitive measures.
Addressing participants, the Bono East Regional Commander of NACOC, SNCO Portia Abuwie Demuyakor, said schools occupy a strategic position in the lives of young people, making counsellors key stakeholders in the fight against illicit drug use.
According to her, children spend a greater part of their day in school than at home, making it essential for counsellors to possess the necessary skills to identify early signs of drug abuse and provide the appropriate support.
“This seminar forms part of activities marking the World Day Against Drugs. It has been organized for school counsellors from Senior High Schools across the Bono East Region to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support learners who abuse drugs or are involved in the use of illicit substances.
“Children spend more time in school than they do at home with their parents. For this reason, we considered it necessary to train school counsellors on the appropriate strategies for identifying and assisting learners who may be struggling with drug abuse.” She explained.
SNCO Demuyakor noted that many educational institutions mostly rely on suspension, dismissal or public humiliation as responses to drug-related offences among learners, a practice she described as ineffective in addressing the underlying problem.
“In many cases, learners who are caught abusing drugs are suspended, dismissed, or publicly humiliated in an attempt to discourage others. However, such approaches may worsen the situation. Once a child becomes involved in drug abuse, they need guidance, counselling, and support to help them overcome the problem. Expelling them from school only gives them more time to associate with people in society who may further encourage their drug use.” she said.
She indicated that the seminar would expose counsellors to early warning signs of substance abuse and equip them with intervention techniques that prioritize rehabilitation and behavioural change.
“Through this seminar, we are educating counsellors on the early warning signs of drug abuse among learners and the most effective intervention strategies. We believe that by working together, we can make significant progress in the fight against drug abuse.” She explained.
The Bono East Regional Education Director, Rev. Father Kingsley Dwamena Asante on his part called on parents to play a more active role in preventing substance abuse among children, stressing that some adults unintentionally encourage unhealthy behaviors by sending minors to purchase cigarettes, alcohol and other intoxicating substances.
He revealed that the home serves as the first learning environment for every child and that young people are more likely to imitate the behaviors they witness from parents and other adults.
“Parents must also take responsibility for their role in preventing substance abuse among children. Some parents unknowingly expose their children to harmful substances by sending them to purchase cigarettes, alcohol, and other intoxicating products, thereby normalizing their use.
“The home is the first place where every child learns values and behaviours. Children often imitate what they see their parents and other adults do. Therefore, a child who grows up in an environment where drug abuse is common is more likely to adopt the same behavior.” Rev. Father Asante stated.
He appealed to parents and guardians to stop sending children to buy cigarettes, alcohol and other harmful substances and urged them to monitor the company their children keep and the activities they engage in.
“I would like to appeal to parents and all adults to stop sending children to buy cigarettes, alcohol, and other harmful substances. They should also pay close attention to the friends their children keep and the activities they engage in.” He said.
He further disclosed that the training would not end with the seminar, explaining that the school-based counsellors would subsequently engage parents and teachers to promote a collaborative approach to preventing drug abuse among learners.
“Following this seminar, our school-based counsellors will extend their engagement to parents and teachers to promote collaboration in preventing drug abuse. Together, families, schools, and communities can play a vital role in protecting our young people from the dangers of illicit drugs.” He revealed.
Source: Newspyramid.com
