The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has raised concerns over the early exposure of children to drugs, revealing that some begin experimenting with substances from as young as seven years.
The Commission says alcohol, cannabis, shisha and cigarettes are among the commonly abused substances among young people, with bullying, grief, emotional distress and peer pressure identified as some of the factors influencing drug use.
Head of Demand Reduction at NACOC’s Western Regional Command, SNCO Godlove Vanden-Bossche, made these disclosures during a youth emotional development workshop at Diabene Senior High Technical School near Sekondi on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
He said national data available to the Commission indicates that some children are introduced to drugs at a very early age, raising concerns about the vulnerability of schoolchildren to substance abuse.
“From what we have nationally, the data we got nationally, beginning with those who have used drugs for the first time, we’re looking at some who have used drugs for the first time, starting from the age of seven years,” he disclosed.
SNCO Vanden-Bossche identified alcohol, cannabis, shisha and cigarettes as some of the commonly abused substances among young people, adding that emotional distress, bullying, grief and peer pressure could influence their decision to experiment with drugs.
He described substance use as a negative coping mechanism and urged young people facing emotional difficulties to seek guidance from teachers, counsellors and other professionals.
“Generally, emotions will not completely solve every problem. I would equate it to coping mechanisms. There are the very positive ones and the negative ones. I would brand the drugs as a negative coping mechanism,” he said.
SNCO Vanden-Bossche further disclosed that NACOC had engaged approximately 19,110 students between January and November 2026 through its school-based education programmes.
He added that the Commission had also trained school counsellors to identify early warning signs among students who may be at risk of experimenting with drugs.
He called on parents, teachers and school authorities to create supportive environments that encourage children to discuss their challenges and seek appropriate guidance.
Meanwhile, organiser of the workshop as well as Leader of Emmett Outreach Ministries Ghana, Apostle Stephen Nana Amponsah, said the initiative was designed to prepare young people for future leadership responsibilities through education, reading and personal development.
The programme brought together students from about 30 public and private senior high and technical schools across the Western Region in what he described as the first initiative of its kind in the region.
Apostle Amponsah stressed the need for society to invest in young people, warning that failure to prepare them for the future could affect the next generation.
“The youth are our future, and anybody who does not take into consideration the development of young people today will suffer tomorrow,” he said.
He further explained that organisers had incorporated a book launch into the programme to encourage students to develop a reading culture and use knowledge as a tool for personal growth.
The workshop also addressed sexual misconduct involving female students in senior high schools.
Protocol Prefect of Diabene Senior High Technical School, Miracle Samberwood, encouraged girls to recognise their worth, resist peer pressure and remain focused on their aspirations.
She urged them to exercise self-control, occupy themselves with productive activities and seek support when confronted with situations that could compromise their safety and future.
The workshop was organised by Emmett Outreach Ministries Ghana in partnership with the National Youth Authority and Diabene Senior High Technical School under the theme, “Building Emotionally Resilient Youth for Purpose, Leadership and a Healthy Future.”
