Education Ministry Orders Daily Anti-Drug Message in All Ghana Schools

New Daily Anti-Drug Message for Ghanaian Schools

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has ordered the Ghana Education Service (GES) to introduce a compulsory daily anti-drug awareness message across all pre-tertiary schools nationwide. The directive takes effect immediately and forms part of a broader Behavioural Change Communication (BCC) campaign developed jointly by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of the Interior, and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC).

Under the new policy, students in all public pre-tertiary schools must recite an approved anti-drug message during morning assemblies, immediately following the National Anthem and National Pledge. The campaign uses a call-and-response format, with a leader stating "Don't start it as a greeting," and students responding, "To live in regret." This approach aims to discourage substance abuse and promote responsible decision-making among learners.

The initiative responds to rising drug abuse incidents among schoolchildren and reflects government efforts to create safer, healthier learning environments. Beyond daily school recitations, the campaign will be reinforced through public education programmes, school sensitisation activities, and collaboration between educational institutions, parents, and community leaders.

The Ministry has called on teachers, parents, and stakeholders to actively support the nationwide campaign. Officials emphasise that protecting learners from substance abuse and safeguarding their wellbeing remains a priority for Ghana's education sector.