High school students in the Kusaug Traditional Area of the Upper East region have vowed to take a stand against drug abuse among their peers, using their self-determination and inner strength to support and empower each other.

They are determined to take control of their lives and make choices that will lead them towards a brighter future, free from the grip of drug abuse.

During a career guidance seminar organised by Sung Bie’la Foundation Ghana in the schools, students from Bawku SHS/Tech, Binduri SHS, and Kusanaba SHS participated in educational and sensitization sessions which had powerful testimonies from former drug addicts.

These sessions aimed to enlighten the students about the harmful effects of drug abuse and encourage them to make informed choices about their lives.

Anti-Drug Efforts Gain Momentum

Drug abuse is increasingly becoming a concern in high schools, but fortunately, initiatives to discourage students from substance abuse are also gaining strength.

In 2021, a report by the Consultative Committee to Combat Drug Menace in Schools established that about 54.1% of boys in Junior High and Senior High Schools use cannabis. According to a survey which was carried out by the Committee, 59.9% of boys tend to use cigarettes more in schools.

 The survey conducted in 176 schools revealed alarming statistics on drug use among students. The findings showed that 59.9% of male students are more likely to smoke cigarettes in school, while 36.4% of students in both junior and senior high schools have tried multiple drugs. The survey also found that 88.6% of students experience stress, which is largely driven by drug use.

Abaa Roger Atambire, a former addict, and founder of Bolgatanga-based Load Foundation shared his story, revealing how he once believed drugs were essential to a fulfilling life.

“I didn’t realize certain things early in life and I fell in a trap,” he said.

Now, he regrets not having the right information earlier and urges students not to be swayed by their peers into following the same harmful path he took. Instead, he encourages them to make informed choices that will shape their future.

“I did not have anybody to tell me the truth. All I heard were lies,” he emphasized.

He urged students to take charge of their lives, emphasizing that while teachers offer guidance, they have limitations, and parents may not even benefit from their achievements.

He stresses that if drugs were beneficial, the United Nations would not have designated a day to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, implying that drug use is harmful and should be avoided.

“If drugs were good, the United Nations would not choose a day for the celebration of its awareness,” he stated.

Abaa's story sparks students' pledge to live drug-free lives

Abaa's testimony has had a profound impact on the students, awakening them to the harsh realities of drug abuse.

Mumuni Issah, a student at Kusanaba SHS, highlights the significance of "peer influence" as a key takeaway from the program. He says that he has learned valuable lessons on how to choose the right friends and relationships in school, and how to encourage his peers to avoid drug use and make positive choices.

Akolbilla Pamela, a second-year student at Kusanaba, and Issaka Latif Bright, a student at Binduri SHS, concur that many students often follow advice from their peers without considering the potential negative consequences, highlighting the need for critical thinking and informed decision-making.

Inspired by Albert’s story, the students have vowed to take control of their lives, using their self-determination and inner strength to resist the temptation of drug abuse.

“Our life and our future are in our hands – not the hands of our peers,” Pamela said.

With newfound resolve, they are committed to making positive choices that will shape their futures and ensure a drug-free life, now and forever.

“If we purpose our heart and stay determined, we would be able to succeed in life. If we obey instructions, we will bring ourselves out of drug addiction,” Lambert Sampson, Senior Perfect at Kusanaba SHS said.

Hajia Zenabu inspires students with her rags-to-success story

The founder of Sung Bie'la Foundation Ghana, Hajia Zenabu Awinbe Salifu, shared her inspiring story of overcoming humble beginnings with the students.

"Although I wasn't born into wealth, I refused to let that hold me back. Whenever I considered doing something harmful, I thought about my future goals and chose to pursue a better path instead," Hajia Zenabu narrated.

She emphasizes that, unlike her own experiences, the students have been given the opportunity to attend senior high school, and they should make the most of it and not waste this valuable chance.

She encouraged them not to let poverty or difficult circumstances lead them down a path of regret. Instead, she urged them to be determined, seek guidance when needed, and stay focused on their goals to achieve success in life.

Teachers at Binduri SHS, led by Guidance and Counselling Coordinator Awini Ndebugri Alice, are advocating for more career guidance programs, which they believe can positively impact society.

Madam Alice believes that guidance is crucial in addressing potential drug abuse cases. She notes that some students are deceived by seemingly harmless substances like "wee-toffee" (a nickname for a drug-laced candy), which may appear innocuous but ultimately lead to harmful consequences.

“Most of the guys buy into especially the wee-toffee. This is something that they will buy and suck and you will think that it is just toffee they are sucking, but at the end of the day we always experience certain things that are not good,” she said.

She says the seminar has enlightened her students, encouraging them to consider the consequences of their actions and seek out positive alternatives, helping them to make better choices and choose a more virtuous path in life.

The female students at the school have pledged to stay focused and motivated throughout their educational journey.

To support their learning and understanding, educational resources were distributed to many of the students at Bawku SHS/TECH, Binduri SHS, and Kusanaba SHS, providing them with the tools they need to succeed.

They receive pens, books, and sanitary products, while each school also receive educational resources like markers, books, and footballs, aimed at positively impacting the students' lives and encourage teachers to excel in their profession.