NCCE Intensifies Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign Across 48 Communities in Kwabre East

The Kwabre East Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has intensified its public education campaign against drug and substance abuse, reaching 48 communities across the Municipality in an effort to raise awareness of the dangers associated with the practice and encourage responsible health choices among residents.

The two-day outreach formed part of the Directorate's efforts to address concerns about drug abuse and its consequences for individuals, families and communities. To ensure extensive coverage, the Commission adopted a vehicular public education approach, making several stops at vantage points to engage residents and disseminate information on the harmful effects of substance abuse.

Led by NCCE officials, Sadiya Baba Sali and Amponsah-Boampong Kofi, the campaign covered communities along the Mamponteng-Nkwanta, Asonomaso-Safo, Adanwomase-Dumakwai, Wonoo-Dumanafo, Fawoade-Ahwiaa and Adwumam-Kenyase/Antoa stretches. The exercise was designed to extend civic education beyond conventional meeting venues and make essential health and safety information accessible to a wider section of the population.

Addressing residents during the outreach, Sadiya Baba Sali highlighted the serious health implications of drug abuse, cautioning that the misuse of substances could expose individuals to life-threatening complications. She drew attention to the risks of kidney and liver damage, certain cancers, high blood pressure, impaired concentration, excessive aggression and other physical and psychological disorders associated with substance abuse.

She further explained that drug misuse could adversely affect a person's mental and emotional well-being, influencing mood, judgement and behaviour. Participants were consequently encouraged to recognise the warning signs of substance abuse and appreciate its broader implications for personal relationships, family stability and community safety.

Contributing to the sensitisation exercise, Amponsah-Boampong Kofi urged residents to prioritise their physical and mental well-being by seeking appropriate medical attention whenever they experienced emotional distress, trauma or other challenges that could make them vulnerable to substance misuse. He particularly cautioned young people against yielding to negative peer pressure, emphasising the importance of making informed decisions and seeking professional support rather than resorting to harmful substances.

Beyond the dangers of illicit drugs, Mr. Amponsah-Boampong also expressed concern about self-medication and the excessive consumption of herbal preparations and energy drinks. He advised residents to avoid taking medicines without appropriate medical guidance, adhere to prescribed dosages and seek treatment from recognised health facilities whenever they felt unwell.

The two-day campaign provided an opportunity for the NCCE to reach residents across different communities with messages on drug abuse prevention, responsible medication use and the importance of seeking timely medical assistance. The vehicular outreach also enabled the Directorate to extend its educational activities to locations where conventional community engagements might not attract sufficient participation.

Residents and other stakeholders who interacted with the NCCE officials expressed appreciation for the initiative and encouraged the Directorate to sustain such public education programmes. Their feedback underscored the need for continuous sensitisation to keep communities informed about the risks associated with substance abuse and the importance of adopting healthier lifestyles.

Through the campaign, the NCCE Kwabre East Municipal Directorate reinforced its commitment to promoting responsible behaviour and public awareness of issues affecting individual well-being and community development, while encouraging residents to take an active interest in preventing drug abuse within their communities.