Pupils to recite daily anti-drug messages under intensified government campaign

The Ministry of Education has launched a nationwide Behavioural Change Communication (BCC) Campaign targeting drug abuse in Ghanaian schools, with students across the country set to recite a daily anti-drug message at morning assemblies effective immediately.

The initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), and forms part of the government's response to the growing problem of substance abuse among school-aged children.

"As part of the campaign, the Honourable Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) to introduce a daily anti-drug awareness message in all pre-tertiary schools nationwide.," the statement released by the ministry said.

Students increasingly linked to drug sales and distribution – NACOC Deputy Director

The message will be recited immediately after the National Anthem and before the National Pledge.

The approved campaign message reads:

Leader: "Don't start it as a greeting."

Students: "To live in regret."

According to the Ministry, the campaign is designed to discourage drug use, strengthen preventive education, and encourage responsible decision-making among learners.

Beyond the morning assembly recitation, the campaign will be supported by public education efforts, school-based sensitisation programmes, and stakeholder engagement activities involving educational institutions, parents, and community leaders.

The Ministry called on all stakeholders to support the national effort to eliminate drug abuse from Ghana's schools.

"The Ministry of Education remains committed to safeguarding the wellbeing and future of every learner and calls on all stakeholders to support this national effort to eliminate drug abuse from Ghana’s schools and educational institutions," the statement concluded.

See the statement below:



ID/VPO