The National Peace Council has expressed concerns that the growing trend of drug and substance abuse among young people in Ghana could have severe consequences on the country's future. According to Prof. Mark Boadu, the Eastern Regional Chairman of the Council, urgent action is needed to help students avoid drugs and focus on education, sports, and other activities that can improve their future. He made these remarks on the sidelines of the Eastern Regional Inter-School Peace and Substance Abuse Semi-Finals and Finals Quiz Competition at the Koforidua Technical University.
The competition was part of the 2026 International Peace Day celebration, with the theme "Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday: Empowering Young Minds to Build a Culture of Peace." Prof. Boadu explained that the event marked the final stage of a three-month peace project involving about 64 senior high schools across the Eastern Region. The initiative, dubbed the "Save Peace" project, used quizzes and school-level activities to educate students about drug use, substance abuse, peacebuilding, and conflict prevention.
Prof. Boadu emphasized that a peaceful school environment is crucial for students to study effectively and work towards becoming the people they want to be. He noted that when schools are safe, there won't be conflicts between students and between schools, and peace can prevail. The Council's efforts aim to empower young minds to build a culture of peace and make sound decisions that contribute to national development.
Twelve schools qualified for the semi-final and final stages of the competition, demonstrating a strong level of competition among the students. Prof. Boadu said their performance showed that the students had prepared well and understood the issues affecting peace and safety on school campuses. Even schools in lower positions recorded scores as high as 80 out of 120, indicating a high level of engagement and knowledge.
Prof. Boadu urged parents, teachers, communities, and public institutions to support young people in pursuing their goals and developing good character. He cautioned that no one has ever abused drugs and had something good come out of it, and encouraged the youth to stay away from drugs. He emphasized that moving away from drugs is one of the best things that can be given to young people.
The National Peace Council's warning highlights the need for collective action to address the growing concern of drug and substance abuse among young people in Ghana. The Council's efforts to educate and empower students are crucial in preventing the spread of drug abuse and promoting a culture of peace. By investing in peace and empowering young minds, Ghana can build a brighter future for its leaders.
The "Save Peace" project's impact will be closely monitored, and its success could serve as a model for other regions to replicate. The National Peace Council's commitment to promoting peace and preventing conflict is commendable, and its efforts to engage young people in peacebuilding initiatives are essential in shaping Ghana's future.
Key points
- The National Peace Council warns that drug and substance abuse among young people could deny Ghana responsible future leaders and undermine development.
- The Council's "Save Peace" project aims to educate students about drug use, substance abuse, peacebuilding, and conflict prevention.
- A peaceful school environment is crucial for students to study effectively and work towards becoming the people they want to be.
