The Acting Volta Regional Director of Education, Mrs Marian Jemima Akua Adzroe, has called on parents to play a more active role in shaping the future of their children, stressing that parental involvement is crucial in combating drug abuse, examination malpractice, and other social challenges confronting students.

Speaking during an engagement with traditional authorities and other stakeholders, Mrs Adzroe emphasized that the Ghana Education Service (GES) remains committed to ensuring discipline and integrity within the country's educational system.

According to her, the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, has adopted a strict stance against examination malpractice and has empowered education authorities to identify and sanction anyone involved in such unethical practices.

“I stated in my presentation to the chiefs that the new Director-General is not tolerating examination malpractice at all. In fact, he strongly abhors it and has given us the mandate to go around and fish out anybody who meddles in examination malpractice."

Mrs Adzroe warned that severe sanctions await both teachers and students found culpable. She noted that any education officer or teacher involved in examination malpractice would face dismissal, while students caught engaging in such acts could be barred from writing examinations for several years.

She also expressed concern about the growing menace of drug abuse among young people, describing it as a serious threat to the future of society.

“Society frowns on drug addiction, but unfortunately it is becoming increasingly common. We are working hard to educate our children on the dangers of drug abuse because a society plagued by drug addiction has no future,” she said.

The Acting Regional Director noted that drug addiction destroys the potential of young people and undermines national development, adding that every effort must be made to protect the next generation from the devastating effects of substance abuse.

“We want a society that is free from drugs so that our children can develop into intelligent, responsible and confident citizens who will one day take over the affairs of this nation,” she added.

Mrs Adzroe further highlighted the critical role parents play in the educational journey of their children. She explained that children spend their formative years largely under the care of their parents before entering school, making parental guidance an indispensable factor in their development.

“Parent factor is key. A child spends over four years with the parents before entering school, and during holidays they are still with their parents. We are therefore pleading with parents to take a keen interest in their children's education,” she said.

She urged parents to support teachers and schools rather than encouraging behaviours that could jeopardize their children's future.

“Our teachers are doing their best and working hard to mentor and guide learners. Parents should support the schools and teachers so that together we can help our children achieve positive learning outcomes,” she stressed.

Mrs Adzroe's remarks formed part of ongoing efforts by the Ghana Education Service to strengthen stakeholder collaboration in promoting quality education, discipline, and responsible behaviour among students across the Volta Region.