Ghana steps up fight against rising drug abuse in schools

Deputy Education Minister Dr Clement Apaak said drug misuse is spreading from primary to senior‑high classrooms across Ghana, with substances such as tramadol and a drug known locally as “red” being concealed in everyday items like energy drinks. The Ministry of Education is launching a comprehensive plan that includes tighter school inspections, authority for staff to search bags, a public education campaign, and coordination with the Narcotics Control Commission and the Ministry of Youth Development.

The Ashanti regional office of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) echoed the minister’s concerns, linking student drug use to growing indiscipline. NACOC held a seminar for teachers and guidance counsellors ahead of World Drug Day to improve identification and support for affected pupils, noting the influence of social‑media platforms such as TikTok in promoting drug use.