The Deputy Minister of Education, Honourable Dr Clement Apaak has disclosed that the Ministry of Education is intensifying efforts to combat the growing abuse of drugs among learners across Ghana’s school system. He indicated that the alarming trend now stretches from primary schools to senior high institutions, posing a serious threat to the future of young people.
Dr Apaak stated that the ministry has gathered credible intelligence on the growing misuse of substances even before recent public remarks by the Ashanti Regional Director of Narcotics Control Commission triggered national debate. The Deputy Minister of Education explained that reports from teachers, district directors, regional directors and parents have consistently pointed to an escalating problem.
In elaborating on government’s response, Dr Apaak said the Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, assigned him to lead engagements with the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment to develop a strategic intervention. He added that consultations have been held with the Director General of the Narcotics Control Commission to strengthen institutional collaboration.
The Deputy Minister of Education stressed that the ministry is working with urgency to roll out a comprehensive plan. He said the response would involve multiple stakeholders to ensure sustained action against the growing menace.
“We are unfolding a comprehensive and robust plan of action to address this threat. It has the potential to destroy our nation’s future if we fail to act with urgency and resolve.”
Dr Clement Apaak
Further details revealed that drug misuse among learners involves dangerous substances including tramadol and a substance commonly referred to as red. Dr Apaak noted that intelligence gathered by the ministry shows these substances are increasingly being concealed in everyday consumables.
A striking pattern, he said, involves students mixing drugs into energy drinks before bringing them onto school premises. The Deputy Minister of Education explained that many containers appearing harmless often contain substances capable of impairing judgement and behaviour.
Moreover, he called on parents to pay closer attention to the activities of their children. Dr Apaak emphasised that family supervision remains essential in curbing substance abuse among young learners.
He added that protecting children requires shared responsibility between schools and homes. Dr Apaak therefore urged families to remain vigilant as government intensifies its intervention.
Schools Tighten Discipline as Gift Ban Takes Effect
Honourable Dr Clement Apaak also outlined immediate measures being introduced to strengthen discipline within educational institutions. He said enhanced school inspections and stricter supervision form part of a wider effort to restore order across campuses.
Central to these interventions is increased vigilance by teachers and school authorities. The Deputy Minister of Education stated that through the Ghana Education Service and the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training Service, managers of schools have been directed to closely monitor student behaviour.
School authorities, he noted, now have expanded powers to search bags, trunks and personal belongings where suspicion arises. Dr Apaak said this authority has become necessary due to the growing sophistication of concealment methods used by students.
“Teachers must be vigilant in monitoring behaviour and, where necessary, search bags and luggage. Discipline in our schools requires firmness and constant supervision.”
Dr Clement Apaak
He further stated that the ministry is pursuing a long term public education campaign spanning basic schools, secondary institutions and universities. The Deputy Minister of Education observed that drug misuse now affects nearly every level of the educational ladder.
On access and supply channels, Dr Apaak said the ministry intends to work closely with the Pharmaceutical Council and other regulatory bodies to restrict minors from accessing controlled medicines.
Alongside the anti-drug campaign, the ministry has also moved to ban ostentatious gift giving on school campuses after final examinations. Dr Apaak said the directive followed rising public debate over parents presenting luxury gifts, including vehicles, to graduating students on school premises.
He disclosed that the Education Minister instructed the Director General of the Ghana Education Service to issue an urgent circular prohibiting the practice. The Deputy Minister of Education described the trend as inconsistent with the values schools are expected to nurture.
“Schools must nurture discipline, dignity and equality among students. Appreciation for academic success can be done quietly at home without creating class divisions on campus.”
Dr Clement Apaak
Dr Apaak argued that extravagant public displays risk encouraging classism among students. He said educational institutions should remain spaces where patriotism, responsibility and humility are cultivated.
He also noted that rewarding children for achievement is acceptable within family settings. The Deputy Minister of Education ultimately indicated that the ministry will continue enforcing policies that protect discipline, strengthen values and preserve the integrity of Ghana’s educational system.
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