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The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and Promasidor Ghana, has trained 50 Senior High School (SHS) Guidance and Counselling Coordinators on school-based drug prevention strategies in Koforidua. The training programme, which marked the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, brought together Guidance and Counselling Coordinators from various SHS across the Eastern Region.

PNCO Philomina Obenewaa Sackar, the Eastern Regional Commander of NACOC, noted that the growing challenge of substance abuse among young people requires a coordinated and proactive response from all sectors of society. She further explained that NACOC recognises that effective drug prevention begins long before enforcement becomes necessary.

According to PNCO Sackar, prevention starts with awareness creation, education, early intervention, and the provision of appropriate support systems for vulnerable individuals. She added that schools remain one of the most effective platforms for delivering such interventions.

Mr Benjamin Narh, the Deputy Eastern Regional Director of GES, commended NACOC for the initiative to empower Guidance and Counselling Coordinators in the region. He observed that drug dealers and users have become more sophisticated in their concealment methods by embedding illicit substances in everyday items consumed by students, including wee toffees, wee shito, and wee sobolo.

The programme aimed to equip Guidance and Counselling Coordinators with the knowledge and skills needed to address the evolving drug situation confronting the youth. Participants were taken through emerging drug trends, early warning signs of substance abuse, counselling and intervention strategies, referral mechanisms, and practical approaches to strengthening school-based prevention efforts.

The training programme was attended by the Eastern Regional Commander of NACOC, PNCO Philomina Obenewaa Sackar; the Deputy Eastern Regional Director of GES, Mr Benjamin Narh; officers of NACOC; the Eastern Regional Head of Guidance and Counselling, Mr Prince Justice Adusu; the New Juaben South Head of Guidance and Counselling, Mr Richard Ayensu; as well as Guidance and Counselling Coordinators from across the region.

The programme aimed to strengthen school-based prevention efforts amidst growing substance abuse among youth. The training will equip Guidance and Counselling Coordinators with the knowledge and skills needed to address the evolving drug situation confronting the youth.

According to PNCO Sackar, the training programme is part of NACOC's efforts to prevent substance abuse among young people. She noted that the growing challenge of substance abuse among young people requires a coordinated and proactive response from all sectors of society.

And according to Mr Narh, the programme is a step in the right direction in tackling the menace of substance abuse among youth. He urged school authorities to stay ahead of the evolving tactics of drug dealers and users.

The training programme is just the beginning of a sustained effort to prevent substance abuse among young people. The programme will equip Guidance and Counselling Coordinators with the knowledge and skills needed to address the evolving drug situation confronting the youth.

Key Facts:

  • 50 SHS Guidance and Counselling Coordinators were trained on drug prevention strategies in Koforidua.
  • The training programme was organised by NACOC in collaboration with GES and Promasidor Ghana.
  • The programme aimed to strengthen school-based prevention efforts amidst growing substance abuse among youth.
  • PNCO Philomina Obenewaa Sackar is the Eastern Regional Commander of NACOC.
  • Mr Benjamin Narh is the Deputy Eastern Regional Director of GES.