The King of the Gonja Kingdom in the Savannah Region, Yagbonwura Bikunuto Jewu Soale I, has advised students in the region to avoid the use of illicit drugs and gambling in order to secure their future.

He said as young people, the future of Ghana belongs to them, and that the use of illicit drugs will jeopardize that future.

"I know as young people, you don't have a clear understanding of the future consequences of drug abuse or illegal use of it, but let me advise, you have to run away from it because the impact of your situation will not only be on you and your immediate family, but Ghana as a whole", the Kinga advised.

Yagbonwura Soale I gave the advise hen he met with some final year students of Damongo and Ndewura Jakpa Technical Senior High Schools including some Junior High School students from Damongo, in the West Gonja Municipality.

The King, who said this through the Chief of Kusawgu Traditional Area, Kusawguwura Bunyanso Soale II, stated, "I'm not saying you are using drugs to
or whatever, but let me remind you that my ears, as Father for all, are on the grounds, including your schools."

"So, if you have any challenges regarding your health or studies, your teachers are here, and at home too, you can tell your parents and they would help you address it."

As a Father himself, Yagbonwura said there is no better time to correct a child than now.

He also called on heads of the various schools, especially Senior High schools not to compromise their watchdog roles over students in terms of their academic performance and general welfare.

"As teachers, your role and responsibilities, in and outside the classrooms are huge, but I commend you for the good work. But I still insist that you keep your watchdog role very well over these small ones that are under your care", Yagbomwura Bikunuto Soale (I) stated.

Some students spoke to Myjoyoyonline about the King's message.

"Well, I don't do drugs and wouldn't use any drugs to learn or whatever, but I think he said the truth. I do hear some students talking about what to do to stay and read books for long in the night but it's dangerous", Abdulai Gariba said.

For Festus Karimu also said, "I was happy hearing it because it's a reminder even though our teachers are teaching us something about drugs and their related problems."

This visit by the King, according to information from the Jakpa's palace, is just the beginning of several ones outside the schools in the jurisdiction.