In response to growing concerns about substance abuse among young people in the Upper East Region, Augustine Akugri, Regional Deputy Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has offered valuable insight into the commission’s pivotal role in tackling this challenge. He spoke in the documentary “Swallowed by Drugs,” produced by Apexnewsgh. Mr. Akugri explained that the NCCE, as an independent governance institution, was established to promote civic awareness and education among Ghanaians. Its mandate includes fostering an understanding of constitutional principles, encouraging citizens to defend the Constitution against abuse, and deepening appreciation of civil rights and responsibilities. A key part of the NCCE’s mission, he noted, is to educate citizens about the dangers of substance and drug abuse. “Issues of drug abuse have become a significant challenge in the country, especially within the Upper East. If we are to promote the good name and prestige of Ghana, we must be free from the scourge of drugs,” Mr. Akugri emphasized. He pointed out that substance abuse not only tarnishes the nation’s image but also disrupts unity and peaceful coexistence. Watch the full documentary below: He explained that drug abuse undermines one’s ability to function effectively in society, whether as a worker or a responsible citizen. “For us at the NCCE, we believe that to contribute meaningfully to national development, Ghanaians must abstain from drugs and alcohol,” he said. Highlighting the commission’s strategy, Mr. Akugri described how the NCCE delivers substance abuse education in schools, communities, and through radio programs. The commission also collaborates with institutions such as the Narcotics Control Board to broaden public understanding of the dangers and effects of drugs. He shared sobering statistics, noting that every few seconds someone dies from drug use, according to the World Health Organization. Research further shows that those who start using drugs in their teens are more likely to die decades earlier than those who do not. “Illicit drugs, such as tramadol, codeine, cocaine, heroin, and even certain caffeinated alcoholic drinks, can cause severe health issues, from heart and lung diseases to miscarriages and birth defects,” he warned. Mr. Akugri stressed that drug abuse is not solely about physical consequences. “Drug abuse can affect a person physically and emotionally, impacting not just health but social life,” he said. “No one is immune to the dangers of drug abuse, and every citizen needs to understand the real risks.” Addressing why young people often fall into substance abuse, he identified several factors: peer pressure, curiosity, the desire to fit in or feel grown-up, attempts to rebel against authority, or to escape emotional problems. He underscored the dangers of experimentation, noting that dependency and addiction can quickly develop, making it extremely difficult to break free from the cycle. Mr. Akugri went on to describe the different categories of drugs commonly abused in the region: stimulants such as amphetamines, ecstasy, and tobacco, which increase activity in the central nervous system and can lead to mood swings; depressants such as alcohol and heroin, which calm users but also alter perception of reality; and cannabis, which is particularly problematic due to its hallucinogenic properties that can lead to mental health issues. “The effects of these drugs are wide-ranging,” he explained. “They can cause physical health problems, mental illness, impaired social functioning, and even risky behavior that leads to the spread of diseases.” He also highlighted the NCCE’s outreach efforts, including educational campaigns in schools, markets, and ghettos, aimed at raising awareness about the dangers and consequences of substance abuse and dependency. In conclusion, Mr. Akugri underscored the importance of understanding dependency and addiction. “A drug user can become so dependent that life without the drug seems impossible. This not only destroys the individual but also has ripple effects on families and communities,” he said. The message from Mr. Akugri and the NCCE is clear: substance abuse is a grave threat to both individuals and society, but with education and collective action, the trend can be reversed for a healthier, more productive future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
