By Anita Kwapong
Studies show that young people listen to and understand their peers more than their teachers, followed by their parents, with law enforcement being the last. For this reason, it has become imperative to increase peer education in schools so as to boost the confidence level of students, improve their emotional-cognitive skills and facilitate the transfer of knowledge among the youth, especially on the use of illicit drugs.
The Eastern Regional Commander of the Narcotics Control Commission, Mr. Felix Sarfo Yeboah, disclosed this during the regional celebration of World Drug Day in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital.
The celebration of World Drug Day in Koforidua was on the theme “People first, stop stigmatisation and discrimination, strengthen prevention”. It was to afford stakeholders the opportunity to share ideas on how to help people with substance use disorders and also help their families identify the need to show love to such victims.
It brought together students from Ofori Panin SHS, Oyoko Methodist SHS, Suhum Islamic Girls SHS, Wesley International School, St. Dominic R/ C Basic School, representatives of the security services, and those from the health, and education sectors.
Section three, clause (i) of the Narcotics Control Commission Act 2020, Act 1019, ensures that substance use disorder is now treated as a public health issue, which is a huge jump in the fight. This, the framers of the Act believe, will now afford families and their affected relations the opportunity to seek medical and professional assistance before it becomes too late. To prevent negative peer influence, with attempts to lure youth into substance use and its abuse, the Commission has started the formation of drug awareness clubs in schools. The aim is to train the youth as Pear-to-Peer educators. It is also to arm the youth with the needed set of skills to set goals and work at achieving them, even at their tender ages so as to serve as role models to their peers. The Senior Narcotics Control Officer in the Eastern Region, Mr. Felix Sarfo Yeboah, asked all to join the train to educate the young ones, especially on problems associated with drug use.
The Chief Director at the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council, Mr. John Donkor, called for intensification of awareness about the dangers associated with drug use. Various stakeholders hailed the formation of drug awareness clubs in schools. A logo for the Drug Awareness Club was launched.
A drama troupe from Oyoko Methodist SHS did a sketch on substance use disorders and their effects.
