Accra: The Founder of New Life Regeneration Foundation, Miss Roselyn Sena Gbetanu, has urged young people to make responsible and healthy life choices that will secure their future. She emphasized the importance of enjoying youth while also living cautiously to avoid jeopardizing their future prospects.
According to Ghana News Agency, Miss Gbetanu shared her advice during an interview at the International Day against Drug Abuse event held at Accra Technical University. The event, themed 'Prevention to Profession, Every Youth Must Be Growing Up with a Skill, Talent or Passion,' was organized under the New Life Regeneration Foundation Operational Framework for Drug Abuse Prevention in Senior High Schools. It attracted students from second-cycle institutions and a section of tertiary students from the University.
Miss Gbetanu encouraged the youth to form healthy friendships and seek mentors who can provide moral and career guidance as they mature into adulthood. She advised students to reach out to counselling units in their schools when faced with decision-making challenges. Additionally, she noted that the Foundation plans to bridge the gap between state institutions and individuals involved in illegal drug use by partnering with traditional authorities and stakeholders to establish bylaws against drug peddlers.
In a presentation, Chief Superintendent Abdul Aziz Ali, Acting Greater Accra Regional Commander of the Narcotics Control Commission, explained the shift from "drug abuse" to "substance abuse" due to the variety of substances being misused. He clarified that while alcohol and cigarettes are legal, their misuse can lead to legal consequences. Chief Superintendent Ali warned against drug abuse, highlighting the risks of addiction and the legal repercussions of cannabis abuse.
Mr. Eric Adjei, CEO of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), advised students to focus on their education to secure their future livelihoods. He emphasized resisting peer pressure and avoiding distractions that could derail their goals. Adjei encouraged persistence in studies, hard work, and perseverance without resorting to drug abuse.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Horace Nii Ayi Ankrah reiterated the principle that "prevention is better than cure," urging participants to spread the message among peers, family, and community members to prevent addiction and its consequences.