NACOC educates 850 KTU fresh students on dangers of drug abuse

The Eastern Regional Command of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has sensitised approximately 850 newly admitted students of Koforidua Technical University (KTU) on the dangers and consequences of drug abuse.

The exercise, held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, formed part of a 2-day orientation programme organised by the university’s Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences to prepare fresh students for their academic journey and equip them with the knowledge to make informed decisions about substance use.

Leading the presentation, ANCO Hamilton Oduro Peasah defined drug abuse as the repeated use of illegal substances or prescription medication for non-medical purposes.

He warned that substance abuse could cause severe damage to vital organs, including the kidneys, liver, heart and lungs, and could ultimately result in death.

ANCO Peasah also identified substances commonly abused illegally, including tramadol, popularly known as RED 225, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and ecstasy.

He further explained that drug abuse had far-reaching consequences beyond physical health, linking it to emotional, social, family, economic and legal challenges that affect not only individuals but also their families and society at large.

The Dean of KTU’s Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Dr. Boakye Agyemang, urged the students to avoid drug abuse, cautioning that those who engage in the practice could face legal consequences.

He warned that students arrested for drug-related offences would have to answer to the law and could no longer count on the university to shield them from the consequences of their actions.

Among those present at the orientation were the Head of Drug Demand Reduction at NACOC’s Eastern Regional Command, NCO Millicent Badu; Dr. Boakye Agyemang; heads of faculty; NACOC officers; lecturers; and students.