The Ashaiman Municipal Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) recently organised a sensitisation programme on Drug Abuse and Cyber Crimes for over 600 pupils from three basic schools in Ashaiman. The programme, held in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and Cyber Security Authority (CSA), was themed ‘Securing Our Future: Say No to Drug Abuse and Cyber-crimes.’ The event aimed to educate pupils on the dangers of drug abuse and cyber-crimes.
The Municipal Director for NCCE, Ashaiman, Ms. Salvata Mawulom Koku, emphasised that the event was crucial in educating children about the menace of drug abuse and the dangers of cyber-crimes. She noted that children are the future of every country and that it was essential to educate them to prevent them from falling prey to these vices that could destroy their future. The programme featured pictorial slides that provided pupils with first-hand information on the risks associated with drug abuse and cyber-crimes.
Madam Ayisha Ibrahim Tarl, Deputy Narcotic Control Officer from the Education & Preventive Department of NACOC, advised pupils not to consume substances containing stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens. She enlightened them about the offences and penalties of drug-related crimes and shared travelling tips with the pupils. She urged them to be cautious when travelling and not to fall victim to drug trafficking schemes.
Madam Ayisha Ibrahim Tarl also stressed the importance of being mindful of luggage and packages when travelling. She advised pupils to buy items they would like to travel with themselves, pack their own luggage, and keep their eyes on their luggage, ensuring it is securely closed. Additionally, she warned that drugs can be concealed in everyday items, and pupils should be vigilant.
Mr. Martin Aboagye, an officer from the Child Protective Department of CSA, discussed the potential risks associated with the cyber space. He noted that while the cyber space is useful, it can be harmful to children when not used properly. He bemoaned the fact that the cyber space has become a platform for people to commit harm to unsuspecting victims, especially children.
Mr. Aboagye highlighted some of the online risks children face, including cyber-bullying, sexual extortion, stalking, cyber grooming, and online violence. He cautioned pupils to be careful about the kind of digital footprint and reputation they leave on the internet, as it can haunt them in later years. He advised pupils to be cautious when sharing images and re-posting content, especially with strangers.
Madam Gloria Kwakuyi, Municipal Director of Education, Ashaiman, called on pupils to be of good behaviour and use the internet for its benefits. The programme was attended by pupils from Ashaiman Presby ’A’ Basic, Ashaiman Presby Basic ‘B’, and Central Presby & JHS. The NCCE, NACOC, and CSA collaborated to ensure the success of the programme, which aimed to educate pupils on the dangers of drug abuse and cyber-crimes.
Key points
- The programme was organised in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and Cyber Security Authority (CSA).
