NACOC Strengthens School Counsellors’ Capacity to Combat Drug Abuse Among Students
The Volta Regional Command of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has organised a one-day seminar for Guidance and Counselling Coordinators from Senior High, Technical and Vocational Schools to strengthen efforts to prevent drug abuse among students.
Speaking at the event, the Volta Regional Commander of NACOC, SNCO Worlanyo K. Fianu, underscored the growing challenge of drug abuse among the youth and stressed the vital role school counsellors play in identifying at-risk students and providing early intervention.
He said NACOC remained committed to preventive education, community sensitisation, and law enforcement as part of a comprehensive strategy to curb drug abuse in the country.
SNCO Fianu urged participants to serve as “frontline defenders” within their respective schools by guiding students away from harmful substances and helping them make responsible choices that would secure their future.
He noted that strengthening the knowledge and skills of guidance coordinators was essential to creating safer school environments and reducing the prevalence of substance abuse among young people.
The Volta Regional Director of Education, Mrs Marian Jemima Akua Adzroe, commended NACOC for its proactive approach in addressing the growing menace of drug abuse among the youth in the region.
She encouraged participants to apply the knowledge and practical skills gained during the seminar to positively influence students and strengthen guidance and counselling services in their schools.
Mrs Adzroe also called for sustained collaboration among educational institutions, parents, community leaders, and state agencies to protect young people from the dangers of illicit drug use.
The seminar was part of activities marking the 2026 World Drug Day commemoration and sought to enhance the capacity of school counsellors to address drug abuse issues among students, promote preventive education, and strengthen collaboration between NACOC, the Ghana Education Service (GES), and other key stakeholders.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
