The Adenta District Police Command has sensitised students of the West Africa Senior High School (WASS) on the devastating effects of drug abuse on their academic and future ambitions.

The sensitisation was through the collaborative efforts of Superintendent Osman Alhassan, the Adentan District Police Commander, and Dr Emmanuel K. Hopeson, an adjunct lecturer at the University of Ghana Law School.

It was to help the students with their psychological and emotional wellness for academic excellence.

Over 2,800 students, teachers and non-teaching staff of the School participated in the programme.

They were introduced to laws governing narcotic use in Ghana; Common abusive substances such as cocaine, heroine, marijuana and tramadol; drug misuse; and violent crimes, among other things.

Supt. Alhassan bemoaned a worrying trend of students being arrested as part of recent police-led swoops and raid of ghettos within the Adentan District.

He said some violent activities such as rioting, school vandalism, and assault on teachers had narcotics induced tendencies.

Supt. Alhassan said how those harmful substances were concealed in consumables like toffees, tea, and alcohol among others to trap innocent students was mind boggling.

He cautioned that one could serve a jail term of not less than five years and more than 10 years for using and possessing narcotic drugs, respectively.

Dr Hopeson said people who persistently abused narcotic substances often experienced complications including poor peer relationships, academic difficulties, mental health-related problems and high truancy rate.

He urged the students to desist from engaging in narcotic drug-related activities and encouraged parent and students to seek support from the Centre for Peace and Reconciliation.

“The Institute has the professionals, the expertise, tools and resources for professional counselling in dealing with associated challenges to guarantee excellence in life,” he added.

The Headmistress of WASS, Dr Shine Ofori, expressed gratitude to the Police Administration and the resource persons for the programme and called for more of such events to guide the students.

Participants were treated to some good music by Mrs Diana Hopeson, a Gospel Musician and a former President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA).