UG Launches ‘Say No to Drugs’ Campaign
The University of Ghana has officially launched a “UG Says No to Drugs” campaign at the Great Hall with a powerful call for collective action against substance abuse among students.
Organised by the Careers and Counselling Directorate, the high-level event drew senior university officials, faculty, students, security personnel and key partners to signal the institution’s firm commitment to student health, safety and academic success.
In the welcome address, the Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah urged the university community to respond to the challenge “not with judgments but with a comprehensive, compassionate and proactive approach” that aligns with UG’s vision of transforming students into responsible future leaders.
The programme, chaired by the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Gordon Awandare, noted that, “We are all in this together as one united community,” he said. “Our best approach is to assist students early before addiction sets in. Do not be shy, ask for help. The university will go above and beyond to support you and free you from any bondage.”
He, however, made it clear that while students who voluntarily seek help will receive full support and counselling without sanctions, those found using or distributing drugs in ways that create a nuisance or compromise the well-being of others will face disciplinary action, though still accompanied by rehabilitation support.
“There is no shame in seeking help,” he said. “It is far more courageous to say no to peer pressure. The university has provided enormous opportunities for you to spend your time meaningfully” he said.
A representative from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ms.Julia Amankwa, delivered a strong solidarity message, stressing that drugs and substance abuse do not remove pressure, they only delay it and eventually lead to addiction and destruction. She highlighted the FDA’s mandate to regulate the manufacturing, importation, distribution and advertising of medicines, including tobacco and high-dose cannabis products.
“This campaign will cultivate a culture that values clarity of mind, self-discipline and personal responsibility. On behalf of the FDA, we say no to drug trafficking and we fully support this initiative” She exclaimed.
The country manager for Johnson & Johnson, Pharm. Emmanuel Asante Antwi also pledged the company’s support, describing the campaign as timely and necessary for protecting Ghanaian youth.
Director of the University of Ghana Safety and Security Services Directorate, Dr. Isaac Amoabeng described the launch as “a powerful and necessary movement to protect the health, safety, dignity and future of our student community.”
“By taking a firm stand against drug use, we promote health and wellness, responsibility and enforcement over harm and addiction,” he said. “Together, we say yes to healthy lifestyles, yes to opportunities, yes to the right future and no to drugs.”
The GRASAG and SRC presidents, Sadick Abubakari and Richmond Ofori Larbi advised students to report their friends and roommates to authority in order for them to get the needed help and pledged to work with management in their efforts to stop drug abuse on campus.
The event also featured an interactive session with Mr. Yaw Obeng Nsiah, a Therapist at the Springs of Renewal Rehab Centre, who explained the stages of drug involvement from experimentation and misuse to full addiction and practical signs to watch out for. The session was moderated by Rev. Fr. Anthony Afriyie Amponsah, a Counsellor at the Careers and Counselling Directorate.
There were energising and colourful performances by the Department of Dance Studies.
The “UG Says No to Drugs” campaign will run as a sustained university-wide programme with ongoing sensitisation, counselling services and stronger collaboration with regulatory bodies and security agencies.
