Eastern Regional Peace Council Organizes Safe School Project on Substance Abuse and Conflict Prevention
The National Peace Council Ghana through the Eastern Regional Peace Council (ERPC), in collaboration with the Akuapem North Municipal Assembly Peace Desk Officers and the Narcotics Control Commission, organized a sensitization programme under the Safe School Project: Addressing Substance Abuse as a Pathway to Conflict Prevention at Larteh Presby Senior High Technical School on Wednesday, 20th May 2026.
The programme aimed to educate students on the dangers of substance abuse, its connection to violence and conflict, and the importance of promoting discipline and peaceful coexistence within schools and communities.
Objectives of the Programme
The sensitization programme sought to:
- Educate students on the harmful effects and consequences of substance abuse.
- Deepen students’ understanding of the relationship between drug abuse, violence, indiscipline, and conflict.
- Promote responsible behaviour and encourage early reporting and help-seeking regarding drug-related activities.
- Strengthen students’ participation in peacebuilding and conflict prevention initiatives.
Key Presentations and Discussions
Officials from the Narcotics Control Commission educated students on the various forms of drug and substance abuse commonly affecting young people and highlighted the serious health, academic, psychological, and social consequences associated with drug misuse.
They explained that substance abuse can contribute to indiscipline, violent behaviour, criminal activities, and conflict situations within schools and communities. Students were also informed about the legal implications surrounding the possession, use, and trafficking of illegal substances in Ghana, including the possibility of arrest, prosecution, imprisonment, school suspension, or expulsion.
The officials encouraged students to avoid all forms of substance abuse and to report suspicious drug-related activities to the appropriate authorities.
Mr. Osmond Appiah Danquah, Senior Programmes Manager of ERPC, delivered a presentation on the connection between substance abuse and violence. He explained that drug abuse often affects judgment, decision-making, and self-control, which can lead to aggression, indiscipline, and conflict.
He urged students to make responsible life choices, avoid negative peer influence, and seek guidance and counselling whenever they encounter challenges related to drugs or peer pressure. He further encouraged students to become ambassadors of peace by promoting dialogue, tolerance, discipline, and peaceful coexistence within their schools and communities.
Expected Outcomes
The programme is expected to:
- Increase awareness among students on the dangers of substance abuse.
- Reduce violent behaviours and conflicts associated with drug abuse.
- Promote safer and more peaceful school environments.
- Strengthen students’ involvement in peacebuilding and conflict prevention efforts.
Participating Institutions
The programme brought together:
- Eastern Regional Peace Council (ERPC)
- Akuapem North Municipal Assembly
- Narcotics Control Commission
- Larteh Presby Senior High Technical School
Over 300 students, together with school management and staff, actively participated in the sensitization programme, demonstrating strong commitment towards promoting safe, disciplined, and peaceful school environments.
