Peace Council And Nacoc Host An Orientation Exercise For First-Year Students at KINBU SHTS
The Greater Accra Regional Peace Council, together with the Narcotics Control Commission, organized orientation sessions for first-year students at Kinbu Senior High Technical School.
Alhaji Mohammed Khuizama Osman, a Peace Council member, spoke at the Assembly Hall in Accra, highlighting the significance of religious diversity and harmony.
He noted that Christians, Muslims, and other religious groups have peacefully coexisted for decades, including within school environments. Students from diverse backgrounds unite with the common goal of coexistence, learning, and personal growth.
He emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue for national development, urging students to be tolerant of each other’s faith and beliefs.
He urged them to prioritize academics and a healthy lifestyle while emulating positive societal figures and avoiding negative influences.
Jemila Ibrahim, Assistant Narcotics Analyst of the Regional Office of the Narcotics Control Commission walked students through the drug definitions, types and categories, effects of drug use on academic performance and social relationships, youth substance abuse on mental health, risk of drug dependence and addiction, legal implications associated drugs.
She explained the use of recreational drugs can have serious consequences for the health and development of young people, making it essential for students to avoid substances that could negatively affect their well-being and prospects.
Students were encouraged to make informed decisions and resist the temptation to experiment with drugs.
She highlighted the potential relationship between drug use and mental health difficulties, noting that depending on the substance and circumstances of use, drugs can contribute to anxiety, paranoia and other psychological disturbances.
She encouraged students to focus on education and make choices that support their health, personal development, and future goals. She highlighted the significance of resisting negative peer pressure, avoiding recreational drugs, and fostering positive relationships. The students were reminded that their decisions could have lasting impacts on their education, health, relationships, and opportunities.
Mr. George Oko Mensah, Acting Regional Executive Secretary of the Greater Accra Regional Peace Council, informed students about the National Peace Council Act, 2011 (Act 818), highlighting its role as an independent statutory body focused on conflict prevention, management, resolution, and sustainable peace building. He emphasized the crucial role of the peace council in maintaining national cohesion during disputes at all societal levels.
He noted that conflict is inherent in human relations but should not escalate into violence, which can have severe societal consequences. The nature of conflict can be perceived as positive or negative based on how individuals respond to it.
As part of an orientation exercise for fresh students by teachers and the School Management with its Guidance and Counselling Unit, the Greater Accra Regional Peace Council promotes peace education to empower students in making responsible decisions, resisting negative influences, and contributing positively to their schools and communities.
