The Ministry of Education has launched a nationwide Behavioural Change Communication (BCC) Campaign to tackle the growing problem of drug abuse among students in Ghana’s schools.
The initiative, launched in partnership with the Ministry of the Interior and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), forms part of the government’s efforts to protect learners from substance abuse while promoting safe, healthy and disciplined learning environments.
As part of the campaign, the Minister for Education, 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 across the country.
Under the new directive, students will recite the approved campaign message during morning assemblies immediately after the National Anthem and before the National Pledge.
The call-and-response message reads:
Leader: “Don’t start it as a greeting.”
Students: “To live in regret.”
Speaking on the initiative, Haruna Iddrisu said the campaign represents a proactive step towards preventing drug abuse among school-aged children.
“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,” the Minister said.
He added that the introduction of the daily anti-drug message in schools is intended to reinforce positive behavioural change and keep students consistently aware of the dangers associated with substance abuse.
The Ministry said the campaign will be complemented by sustained public education programmes, school-based sensitisation activities, stakeholder engagements and stronger collaboration with parents, community leaders and educational institutions.
According to the Ministry, the initiative reflects government’s commitment to protecting the wellbeing of every learner and ensuring that schools remain safe spaces for teaching and learning.
The Ministry has therefore called on parents, teachers, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations and the general public to support the national campaign to eliminate drug abuse from schools across Ghana.
By Daniel Opoku
