Volta Education Directorates Vow to Enhance Youth Development Amid Cyber and Substance Challenges

Hohoe: Mrs. Marian Jemima Akua Adzroe, Acting Volta Regional Director of Education, has affirmed the commitment of the Directorate and all District Directorates to establish a conducive environment for the academic and personal growth of the youth. The initiative seeks to protect young individuals from the risks associated with cyber exploitation and substance dependence. According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Adzroe made these remarks during a Cybersecurity and Substance Abuse Awareness Programme at Hohoe E.P Senior High School. She implored stakeholders to foster a community where technology is a tool for empowerment, ensuring that youth maintain their privacy, identity, and well-being. The program aims to equip students with the skills to safely navigate the digital world, bolstering their potential while safeguarding against online and offline dangers. Mrs. Adzroe emphasized the importance of managing one's digital footprint, highlighting the permanence of online actions that may impact future educational and career prospects. She urged educators to incorporate digital literacy and substance abuse awareness into their guidance efforts, creating supportive environments for students. Moreover, she encouraged parents to engage actively in their children's online activities and maintain open communication to address challenges safely. Assistant Commissioner of Police Cuthbert Aapengnuo, Deputy Volta North Regional Police Commander, underscored the issue of cyberbullying, defining it as the use of digital platforms for harassment and targeting individuals. Additionally, Reverend Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics, John Gilbert Atioto, from the Volta Regional Command of Narcotics Control Commission, pointed out that Senior High Schools are central to the drug and substance abuse problem nationwide, driven by factors such as peer pressure and weak parental guidance. Franklin Amesimeku, Headmaster of Hohoe E.P Senior High School, highlighted the program's goal to sensitize students on the dangers of drug abuse, w ith hopes that students will understand the negative impacts of substance use and desist from it. Ms. Musah Haruna Firdaus, a student, shared her insights from the program, emphasizing the importance of similar initiatives in other institutions to prepare future leaders in this technologically advanced era.