NACOC warns 850 KTU students about the dangers of drug abuse

The Eastern Regional Command of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has engaged approximately 850 newly admitted students at Koforidua Technical University (KTU) in a comprehensive sensitization exercise. The initiative, focused on the dangers and legal implications of drug abuse, was integrated into a two-day orientation program organized by the university’s Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences. This effort is part of a broader strategy to educate the youth before they are exposed to the social pressures of tertiary education. During the session, Assistant Narcotic Control Officer (ANCO) Hamilton Oduro Peasah provided a technical definition of drug abuse and highlighted the various substances most commonly misused in educational settings. He emphasized that substance abuse not only poses severe health risks, such as long-term organ damage and psychological issues, but also carries heavy legal penalties that can permanently alter a student’s career trajectory. The presentation included details on the classifications of drugs and the biological impact of addiction on the human brain. Supporting the commission’s message, the Dean of the Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Dr. Boakye Agyemang, issued a stern warning to the fresh students regarding the university's zero-tolerance policy for illicit drug use. He noted that beyond the state’s legal framework, the institution maintains strict disciplinary measures for drug-related offenses, which can lead to expulsion. The Dean urged students to remain focused on their academic goals and to resist peer pressure that might lead to substance dependency. The event brought together several high-ranking NACOC officers and faculty heads, underscoring a collaborative effort between law enforcement and educational institutions to curb drug use among the youth. By targeting students within the health sciences specifically, the exercise aimed to equip future healthcare professionals with firsthand knowledge of the societal and individual impacts of narcotics, ensuring they are well-prepared to advocate for healthy lifestyles and provide accurate information to their future patients.