Education Ministry rolls out nationwide campaign anti-drug abuse in schools

The Ministry of Education has rolled out a nationwide Behavioural Change Communication (BCC) campaign to combat the rising menace of drug abuse among students in Ghanaian schools. The initiative, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), aims to protect learners, promote healthy lifestyles, and create safer learning environments across the country. As part of the campaign, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has directed the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) to introduce a daily anti-drug awareness message in all pre-tertiary schools. Under the new directive, students will recite the approved message during morning assemblies, right after the National Anthem and before the National Pledge. The call-and-response message goes as follows: Leader: "Don't start it as a greeting.", students: "To live in regret."

Speaking on the initiative, Haruna Iddrisu described the campaign as a proactive measure to safeguard the future of Ghanaian children. He stated, "This Behavioural Change Communication Campaign is designed to discourage drug use among our learners, strengthen preventive education and empower students to make responsible decisions that will safeguard their future." He added that the daily recitation is meant to constantly remind students of the dangers of substance abuse and encourage positive behavioural change. The Ministry indicated that the campaign will be supported by broader public education efforts, school sensitisation programmes, stakeholder engagements, and stronger collaboration with parents, community leaders, and educational institutions.