600 pupils in Ashaiman taught about drugs and cybercrime
Officials from three agencies gave basic school pupils in Ashaiman, Greater Accra, warnings on substance abuse and online harm.
600 pupils from three basic schools in Ashaiman Municipality, Greater Accra Region, were sensitised on Saturday to drug abuse and cybercrime. The session, themed “Securing Our Future: Say No to Drug Abuse and Cyber-crimes,” was run by the Ashaiman Municipal office of the National Commission for Civic Education, working with the Narcotics Control Commission and the Cyber Security Authority.
The municipal director of the commission, Ms Salvata Mawulom Koku, said children are the future and need to hear about these dangers early. Ms Ayisha Ibrahim Tarl, deputy narcotics control officer, told pupils not to use stimulants, depressants or hallucinogens to feel better or escape problems, and set out the offences and penalties for drug crimes. Mr Martin Aboagye of the Cyber Security Authority listed risks such as cyberbullying, sexual extortion and cyber grooming, and warned that online footprints can resurface years later.
The municipal director of education, Ms Gloria Kwakuyi, urged the pupils to behave well and use the internet for its benefits.
Why it mattersPupils at three Ashaiman basic schools received the warnings directly, and the sessions give them guidance on drug trafficking and online risks.