Accra: The Asante Gold Chirano Limited, in collaboration with the Western North Regional office of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), conducted a one-day drug sensitisation campaign targeting Senior High and Basic School students in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality. The initiative aimed to inform students and the general public about the risks associated with drug and substance abuse, particularly among the youth.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Stephen Asante-Yamoah, General Manager of Asante Gold Chirano, highlighted the company's commitment to the health and wellbeing of young people. He emphasized the importance of equipping students with the necessary knowledge and values to make informed decisions and avoid actions that could endanger their future. Mr. Asante-Yamoah expressed gratitude to NACOC and the management of Chirano Senior High School for their collaboration in facilitating this educational event.
Mr. Asante-Yamoah stated, "At Asante Gold Chirano, safety is our first core value, and we believe that safety should not end at the Mine site gate. It must extend to our homes, schools, and communities." He further stressed that promoting healthy lifestyles and safeguarding young people from substance abuse were crucial investments in the future of their surrounding communities.
In his address, Mr. Asante-Yamoah urged students to steer clear of drugs and avoid consuming unprescribed medications, warning that such substances could adversely affect their health and wellbeing. Mr. Dennis Adutwum-Gyimah, Western North Regional Principal Narcotics Control Officer, explained that the drug sensitisation campaign was a key mandate of the Commission aimed at educating the public on drug use prevention.
He noted that as part of this year's World Drugs Day activities, the Commission engaged with company workers and decided to extend the initiative to the communities. Mr. Adutwum-Gyimah assured the campaign would be expanded to other schools to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs and substance abuse.
He praised Asante Gold Chirano Limited for the collaboration and expressed hope that the campaign would achieve the desired outcomes. Students interviewed by the Ghana News Agency appreciated the campaign, noting that it had made them aware of the negative effects of drugs and substance abuse on their future. They pledged to spread the campaign's message to others, encouraging them to reject hard and illicit drugs.