NACOC and Ghana Education Service Partner to Strengthen School-Based Drug Prevention in Eastern Region

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and the Ghana Education Service (GES) have joined forces to intensify drug prevention efforts within educational institutions across the Eastern Region. In a strategic collaboration with Promasidor Ghana, the organizations recently held a specialized seminar in Koforidua targeting Guidance and Counselling Coordinators from various Senior High Schools (SHS). The initiative, aligned with the preparations for the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, seeks to equip educators with the necessary tools and knowledge to combat the evolving threats of substance abuse among students. The seminar, centered on the theme 'The World Drug Problem: Persisting Problems, New Challenges and Innovative Response,' provided a platform for coordinators to delve into emerging drug trends and effective counseling strategies. PNCO Philomina Obenewaa Sackar of NACOC highlighted the critical role that school counselors play in the early detection of drug-related issues. She emphasized that because these educators are on the front lines of student interaction, their ability to recognize warning signs and implement preventive education is paramount to safeguarding the health and future of the youth. The training sessions focused not only on identifying traditional substances but also on understanding the complex psychological factors that lead students toward drug use. Adding to the discussion, Benjamin Narh, the Deputy Eastern Regional Director of the GES, expressed deep appreciation for NACOC’s proactive initiative. He pointed out the growing sophistication of drug concealment methods, noting that traditional detection methods may no longer be sufficient in a modern school environment. Mr. Narh urged school authorities to remain highly vigilant and adapt to these new trends to prevent illicit substances from infiltrating campuses. The partnership underscores a shifting approach toward drug control in Ghana—one that prioritizes education and psychological intervention over purely punitive measures. As the world faces new challenges in the fight against narcotics, this collaborative effort in the Eastern Region serves as a model for proactive school-based intervention. By empowering guidance coordinators with specialized knowledge and resources, the GES and NACOC aim to create a more resilient school system capable of addressing drug abuse before it becomes a crisis. Moving forward, the stakeholders intend to sustain these educational seminars, ensuring that the fight against illicit trafficking and substance abuse remains a top priority in Ghana’s educational agenda.