The member of the Council of State representing the Savannah Region, Alhaji Abudu Sampson Tingawura, has launched a region wide campaign against drug abuse and environmental degradation, beginning at Bole Senior High School (SHS).

The initiative, which targets senior high schools and tertiary institutions across the region, seeks to educate young people on the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of environmental protection and hygiene.

Speaking during the launch at the Bole SHS dining hall on February 11, 2026, Alhaji Tingawura expressed deep concern about the increasing number of young people abusing drugs in communities across the region.

“As a parent, it has been a great source of worry to walk around town and see boys and girls, who could have been my own children, in very bad states of mind,” he said.

“When you get closer, you realise it is not any particular problem worrying them, but drugs. At their tender ages, they are unable to determine what is good for them and what is bad.”

He described the situation as painful, noting that many of the affected youth are potential future leaders whose lives are being disrupted at critical stages.

The engagement forms part of a broader project aimed at organising lectures and awareness campaigns in educational institutions throughout the Savannah Region.

He expressed hope that the programme would send a strong signal to students and encourage them to make better life choices.

He further suggested that schools consider incorporating discussions on drug abuse and environmental protection into their weekly academic activities, proposing at least 30 to 40 minutes of structured discussions to sustain awareness.

Addressing concerns about the easy accessibility of drugs, the council of state member warned pharmacies and individuals engaged in the sale of harmful substances to young people to desist from the practice.

“Even if they are looking for money, they are destroying the very fabric of their own children’s future,” he cautioned.

“These children are supposed to replace them tomorrow. If we do not raise responsible leaders, the future of our nation and even their businesses will suffer.”

He disclosed plans to engage pharmacies, chemical sellers, and other stakeholders, while collaborating with the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Police Service, and other security agencies to clamp down on the illegal sale of drugs.

Touching on environmental issues, the council member, who is also a Chief for the Tinga community in the Bole traditional area, acknowledged that certain old cultural practices that contributed to bush burning have been abandoned in his community.

“In the past, when we saw signs that the dry season was setting in, small rituals were performed which sometimes led to controlled burning. Unfortunately, some people misused this as an opportunity to burn indiscriminately,” he explained.

“We have since discouraged and stopped such practices.”

He added that traditional authorities are working closely with the Forestry Department to promote tree planting, encouraging families to plant at least one tree behind their homes to restore greenery and protect the environment.

Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the headmaster, who was unavoidably absent, the Assistant Headmaster of Administration of Bole SHS, Abubakari Habib, expressed profound gratitude for the selection of the school to begin the student engagement.

He described the theme, “Drug Abuse and Environmental Protection and Hygiene,” as timely and critical to the future of the youth.

The school also received educational materials, including a two-sided billboard, awareness materials, and citation to promote environmental cleanliness and serve as lasting reminders of discipline and healthy living.

“We urge our students to listen attentively, participate actively, and take this programme seriously. The knowledge gained here has the power to protect your future and positively influence your peers,” he advised.

Mohamed Abdulai, Registrar of the Bole Traditional Council, on behalf of the Bolewura, also addressed the gathering and described drug abuse as one of the greatest threats to the development of young people and communities.

“Drug abuse in Ghana is becoming a significant public health, socio-economic, and security concern, particularly with the high prevalence of alcohol and cannabis use among young people, often driven by peer pressure and easy accessibility,” he noted.

He commended Alhaji Abudu Sampson Tingawura for the vision and courage to lead the initiative and pledged the support of traditional authorities in protecting and guiding the youth.

“Our youth are the backbone of tomorrow. It is my sincere hope that this engagement will empower students to make responsible choices, resist negative influences, and embrace values that promote discipline, good health, and purpose-driven lives,” he said.

The programme brought together the district chief executive, director of education and health, security heads, religious leaders, traditional authorities, staff, and students.

Participants expressed optimism that the initiative would inspire lasting positive change and contribute to building a drug-free and environmentally responsible in the Savannah Region.