The Drug Education and Prevention Department of the Eastern Regional Command (ERC) of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) on 28 September, 2026 held an educational outreach for students of Ghana Senior High School, Koforidua.
The programme sought to engage about 450 first-year students on substance abuse and its implications on their health, social development and academic performance.

This initiative was part of a weeklong orientation activity organised by the school for newly admitted students towards equipping them with the needed knowledge on the dire consequences of drug abuse and its related issues, and the need for making better-informed choices and living drug-free lifestyles.

Leading the presentation, ANCO Deborah Ankrah highlighted the health implications of the repeated use of drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, opiates, etc.
She stressed that the continuous use of such drugs can cause destructive effects on vital human organs like the kidneys, liver, heart, and lungs, and eventually lead to death.

ANCO Deborah Ankrah advised the students to take their studies seriously and resist the temptation of negative peer influences that could lure them into substance abuse and distract their academic performance and overall social development.
Students were further encouraged to be pioneers and advocates for a drug-free society and remain focused on their academic and personal developmental goals.

Teachers present were urged to play a supportive role in identifying early signs of drug-related behaviours to provide the necessary help