Navasco holds 8th Speech and Prize-Giving Day with call for action against drug abuse

The Navrongo Senior High School (NAVASCO) on Saturday, November 1, 2025, climaxed its 8th Speech and Prize-Giving Day with a strong call for action to end drug abuse among the youth to safeguard Ghana’s human capital development.

This year’s event, co-sponsored by various partners and held at the school’s Macdonald Hall, was themed “Countering Drug Abuse: Measures and Strategies Towards Effective Teaching and Learning for Building Ghana’s Human Capital.”

In her welcome address, the Headmistress of NAVASCO, Mercy Babachuweh, emphasized that the nation’s future depends heavily on how effectively it addresses the growing menace of drug abuse and its devastating effects on young people.

“Our very future as a country depends on how we can curb this menace,” she said. “I entreat everyone, especially my precious sons and daughters, to pay attention to our guest speaker’s message on this important subject.”

Babachuweh highlighted some of the school’s notable achievements over the years but acknowledged persistent challenges, including inadequate staff accommodation, damage to the school dam caused by recent heavy rains, infestation in some dormitories, and other infrastructural constraints.

She, however, expressed profound gratitude to the school’s Old Students Association, corporate organizations, and other stakeholders for their continuous support in addressing the school’s challenges and promoting its development.

The Chairman for the occasion, Naa Ambassador Y. Abdulai, described drug abuse and the trafficking of psychotropic substances as a growing existential threat, particularly in the northern parts of the country.

“Today’s theme could not have come at a better time. Our nation, especially the northern regions, faces the scourge of trafficking and rampant abuse of opioids and other harmful substances. This has become one of the greatest threats to education, discipline, and national development.” He bemoaned

He noted that substance abuse fuels indiscipline and crime among students, undermines academic performance, and poses serious health risks.

“What manner of a person is one who knows no pain, no fear, or shame?” he questioned, urging students to emulate the good examples of past NAVASCO students who have excelled in various fields.

“The future is yours. You find yourselves at a crossroads, choose the path of excellence and self-control, for the choices you make today determine the future you create for yourselves.” He added.

With a current enrollment of 2,023 students, 144 teaching staff, and 59 non-teaching staff, NAVASCO continues to maintain its reputation as one of Ghana’s leading second-cycle institutions.

The event also featured awards for outstanding students, as well as recognition for dedicated teaching and non-teaching staff.

Dignitaries present included the Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Apaak, who served as the Special Guest of Honour; the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga; the Navro-Pio, Pe Asagepaare II, and his sub-chiefs; the Member of Parliament for Navrongo Central, Simon Aworigo; and the District Chief Executive for the Kassena Nankana West District, Stephen Aeke Akurugo and a representative of the Kasena Nankana Municipal Chief Executive.

Mike 105.3 FM | Navrongo | David Adapuna