The Ministry of Education has appealed to teachers and school authorities across the country to monitor students and also search their bags to curb drug abuse.
The Education Ministry called on Teachers to intensify surveillance of students amid growing concerns over the presence of drugs in schools.
Dr Clement Apaak, the Deputy Minister for Education, expressed concern about the growing use of opioids and tramadol among young people.
According to him, the government is collaborating with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service to help tackle the canker.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Wednesday, June 24, Dr Clement Apaak stated, “So, within our context, what we are doing through the Ghana Education Service and the Ghana TVET Service is to call on teachers to be very vigilant in monitoring the behaviours of their learners. And if necessary, they should search their bags.
“And remember that since we took over the reins of governance, as part of our efforts to re-instill discipline in our educational system, we have given managers of our secondary institutions, in particular, the full authority to search the luggage and other bags and trunks and chop boxes that students bring and have in their dormitories,” he said.
In related news, Five Central University students have been arrested by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) for allegedly operating a cannabis distribution network on campus.
Reports suggest the suspects include Level 100, Level 300, and Level 400 students.
According to reports, the five were picked up after an intelligence gathered on illicit drug activities within the university community.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the students were allegedly engaged in the production and sale of cannabis-infused ice cream, sobolo, toffees, pepper, and eggs, while also dealing in raw cannabis
NACOC officials seized suspected narcotic substances during the operation, which have since been forwarded for forensic examination. Investigations are ongoing.
Read the Central University statement below:
CENTRAL UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT RESPONDS TO REPORTS OF INDIVIDUALS IN NACOC CUSTODY
The Management of Central University has become aware of media reports concerning five individuals currently in the custody of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) following an incident that reportedly occurred during a programme associated with the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) Week celebrations.
At this stage, the University is engaging with NACOC and other relevant authorities to establish the facts and obtain verified information regarding the circumstances surrounding the matter. As investigations are ongoing, Management considers it important to avoid speculation and allow the due process of the law to take its course.
Central University remains firmly committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and conducive environment for learning, while upholding the highest standards of discipline, responsibility, and integrity expected of all members of its community.
As a precautionary measure and in the interest of ensuring order and safety on campus, all remaining SRC Week activities have been suspended pending a review of the circumstances surrounding the incident and existing event management protocols.
Management wishes to assure students, staff, parents, alumni, and the general public that the University is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities as efforts continue to establish and verify the facts surrounding the matter and remains committed to upholding the highest standards of discipline, safety, and institutional integrity.
Central University remains focused on its core mission of academic excellence, character development, and the holistic growth of its students.
Signed.
Registrar
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