Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has directed the Ghana Education Service to enforce a zero tolerance policy against drug use in schools, warning that students found in possession of drugs could face dismissal as part of efforts to curb the growing menace among young people.
The Minister announced the measures while addressing the commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, held under the theme, The World Drug Problem, Persisting Issues, New Challenges, and Innovative Responses.
The event was attended by Chief of Staff Hon. Julius Debrah, who represented President John Dramani Mahama.
Focusing his remarks on what he described as “innovative responses,” Hon Iddrisu said the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service must play a leading role in complementing the efforts of traditional leaders, parents, the state, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders in tackling drug abuse.
“I intend to speak only to the last end of the theme, innovative responses. What can we do as a ministry and what can we do at GES to contribute to what Nananom, the state, parents, and other stakeholders will all do for us to deal with the increasing drug problem”.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu
Direct Message to the Youth
The Minister delivered a strong warning to young people, urging them to reject drugs and the misconceptions surrounding their use.
“Today, my message to the youth of Ghana is direct and sincere. Drugs are not a shortcut to happiness and success. Drugs are not a symbol of confidence. Drugs are not a mark of maturity. Drugs are not a pathway to success.”.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu
Hon Iddrisu stressed that drug abuse poses serious consequences for young people, affecting their health, education, future prospects, and personal freedom. “Drug abuse is a trap and can endanger your future, endanger your health, your education and even your freedom,” he cautioned.
The Minister expressed concern over reports that drug use has become increasingly common in some senior high schools, describing the situation as alarming and one that demands immediate action. “I’m told that in many secondary schools today, it is not unusual to find students use drugs on our school campuses,” he said.
Tougher Sanctions for Offenders
To address the problem, Mr Iddrisu instructed the Director General of the Ghana Education Service to implement strict disciplinary measures against any student found with drugs in school.
“I want us, together with the Director General of the GES, to declare zero tolerance for drugs in our schools,” he stated. The Minister said he had given the Director General his full authority under the law to impose the highest punishment on offenders without hesitation.
“And accordingly, the Director General of the GES has my firm instructions, authority, and mandate under the law to exert the severest punishment to any student caught with drugs in school. And not to hesitate in punishing that person, even if it means dismissal of that student”.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu
According to him, failing to take decisive action could expose other students to drug abuse and undermine the learning environment. “Because the tendency to accommodate him will be that he will poison the minds of those in school and that will affect their growth and development,” Hon Iddrisu explained.
New Daily Anti Drug Initiative
Beyond disciplinary action, the Minister proposed a new nationwide awareness campaign aimed at reinforcing anti drug education in schools. He announced plans to direct the Ghana Education Service to introduce a daily anti drug affirmation during morning assemblies in all educational institutions across the country.
Under the initiative, students will recite the phrase “Don’t start it,” followed by the response, “To live in regret,” between the singing of the National Anthem and the recitation of the National Pledge. The implied reference to drugs, he said, is intended to remind students daily of the dangers associated with drug use.
“I’m sure I’ll give the directives after this ceremony, that the Director General of the GES from tomorrow, in between the recitation of the National Anthem and the National Pledge, every student is made to say, ‘Don’t start it.’ Then the response will be, ‘To live in regret”.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu
Addressing the Deputy Director General of the Ghana Education Service, the Minister instructed that the directive be issued immediately to schools across Ghana. “Accordingly, you are tomorrow to issue this to all educational institutions across Ghana as our contribution to fighting the drug menace,” he directed.
Education Sector Response
Mr Iddrisu said the measures mark a strengthened response by the education sector to the growing challenge of drug abuse among students.
He noted that the government recognises the serious impact of drugs on the mental health, physical health, and overall well being of young people, making preventive education and strict enforcement essential.
“Today should signal an improved education sector response to the worrying drug menace in our country,” he said.
The Minister concluded by calling for sustained collaboration among schools, families, communities, and state institutions to protect young people from the dangers of drug abuse and ensure that educational institutions remain safe environments that support learning, discipline, and healthy development.
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