NACOC trains SHS Guidance and Counseling Coordinators on school-based drug prevention

The Eastern Regional Command of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and Promasidor Ghana, on June 23, 2026, organised a seminar for Guidance and Counselling Coordinators on school-based drug prevention at Appenteng Hall in Koforidua.

The seminar formed part of activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day), celebrated under the theme, "The World Drug Problem: Persisting Challenges, New Threats and Innovative Responses."

The programme brought together Guidance and Counselling Coordinators from Senior High Schools across the Eastern Region to deepen their knowledge of emerging drug trends, early warning signs of substance abuse, counselling and intervention strategies, referral mechanisms, and practical approaches to strengthening school-based drug prevention initiatives.

Addressing participants, the Eastern Regional Commander of NACOC, PNCO Philomina Obenewaa Sackar, said the growing challenge of substance abuse among young people requires a coordinated and proactive response from all sectors of society.

She noted that Guidance and Counselling Coordinators occupy a strategic position within educational institutions because they are often the first professionals to identify students experiencing behavioural, emotional, social or drug related challenges.

Speaking on the seminar's theme, "Strengthening School Based Drug Prevention through Effective Guidance and Counselling," PNCO Sackar stressed the need to equip educational professionals with the knowledge and skills required to respond effectively to the evolving drug situation confronting the youth.

She emphasised that NACOC believes effective drug prevention begins long before law enforcement interventions become necessary.

"Prevention starts with awareness creation, education, early intervention and the provision of appropriate support systems for vulnerable individuals. Schools remain one of the most effective platforms for delivering these interventions," she said.

In a brief remark, the Deputy Eastern Regional Director of GES, Mr. Benjamin Narh, commended NACOC for organising the seminar to strengthen the capacity of Guidance and Counselling Coordinators in the region.

He observed that drug dealers and users have become increasingly sophisticated in concealing illicit substances by disguising them in everyday items commonly used by students, including cannabis infused toffees, shito and sobolo.

Mr. Narh urged school authorities to remain vigilant and continuously update their knowledge and strategies to protect students from the harmful effects of substance abuse.

The seminar was attended by the Eastern Regional Commander of NACOC, PNCO Philomina Obenewaa Sackar, the Deputy Eastern Regional Director of GES, Mr. Benjamin Narh, officers of NACOC, the Eastern Regional Head of Guidance and Counselling, Mr. Prince Justice Adusu, the New Juaben South Head of Guidance and Counselling, Mr. Richard Ayensu, and Guidance and Counselling Coordinators from Senior High Schools across the Eastern Region.

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