Narcotics Control Commission warns children against the use of illegal drugs

The Volta Regional Narcotics Control Commission has taken this year's International Day Against Drug Abuse to the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) Basic School in Ho.

The Commission and the Volta Regional Police Command observed the day with pupils from UHAS Basic School and other public basic schools in the Ho municipality.

The pupils were educated on drug abuse, its impact on health, and how to desist from its use.

Addressing the children, the Regional Commander of the Narcotics Control Commission, Worlanyo Fianu, said, "Cannabis is increasingly being integrated into consumable food products like candies (popularly known as wee toffees), food, and drinks, a situation that makes it difficult for parents, teachers, and law enforcement to detect its use among teenagers, hence making efforts to prevent drug use among young people more difficult."

"Adolescence is a critical period for brain development, and cannabis use can interfere with this process, potentially leading to long-term cognitive issues. Teenagers who start using cannabis are more likely to experiment with more dangerous substances, making cannabis a gateway drug," he added.

Melody Domoti, an officer from the Narcotics Control Commission, urged the pupils to desist from the use of illegal drugs and to resort to drugs prescribed by medical practitioners only for the treatment of illnesses.

On his part, the Headmaster of UHAS Basic, Seth Korgah, reiterated that drug abuse is alarming, hence the need to observe this year's day against drug abuse with children, citing the importance of young people in nation-building.

He said campus-based clubs will be established in basic schools to "form panels to discuss issues about drugs and substance abuse and the destruction it is causing."

This year's International Day Against Drug and Illicit Trafficking is themed "The evidence is clear; invest in prevention."