The Ashanti Regional Office of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has expressed deep concern regarding the growing abuse of illicit drugs among young people, warning that the trend is a major factor in rising cases of indiscipline in Senior High Schools (SHSs) across the country.

According to the Commission, the use of narcotic substances by students is negatively altering behaviour, undermining school discipline, and creating severe challenges for school administrators, teachers, and guidance counsellors.

Seminar Held to Equip School Staff

Ahead of the 2026 World Drug Day commemoration, NACOC organised a specialised seminar for guidance counsellors and teachers in the Ashanti Region. The workshop aimed to equip educators with the necessary technical skills to identify, manage, and support students struggling with substance abuse.

The Ashanti Regional Commander of NACOC, Samuel Yebua, stated that the training had become essential due to the escalating worries surrounding student drug use and its direct impact on the academic environment.

“Counselling is technical. To do it effectively, you need the right skills and knowledge," Mr Yebua noted. "We receive referrals from schools and parents whose children are suspected of using drugs, and some schools even threaten to dismiss such students.”

He added that while many schools are currently grappling with these drug-related challenges, they often lack the in-house expertise required to manage them. The seminar was designed to close this gap so educators can address issues at the school level before they escalate into larger crises.

Drug Use Used to Challenge Authority

Mr Yebua further explained that several recent acts of student indiscipline within secondary institutions can be traced back to substance abuse. He indicated that students frequently turn to illicit drugs to artificially boost their confidence to confront authority figures.

“One reason some students use drugs is to rebel against authority," the Regional Commander stated. "They believe the substances give them the confidence to confront teachers and school authorities in ways they ordinarily would not.”

Social Media Influence Highlighted

During the seminar, participating teachers and counsellors also pointed to the growing influence of social media platforms, particularly TikTok, in exposing students to content that normalises and promotes drug use.

The participants emphasised that schools urgently require more resources and structured support systems to effectively tackle substance abuse and the resulting behavioural problems.

The training seminar is part of a broader nationwide awareness campaign by NACOC to educate young people on the dangers of narcotics and promote preventative measures prior to World Drug Day.