UER: Gladys Apuweni Leads Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign Across Upper East Senior High Schools.

BY: Gladys Apuweni

Bolgatanga, Upper East Region In a bold effort to curb drug abuse and indiscipline among the youth, broadcast journalist and radio presenter with GBC URA Radio, Gladys Apuweni, has successfully carried an anti drug abuse and good conduct campaign to eight Senior High Schools across the Upper East Region.
The sensitization exercise, which ran from November 24 to December 10, formed part of a proactive educational outreach aimed at addressing the growing menace of substance abuse, school rioting, and other forms of indiscipline that continue to undermine academic performance and destroy the futures of young people in the region and Ghana as a whole.
The schools visited during the campaign include Big Boss Senior High School, BOGISS, Zamstech, Gowrie Senior High School, Konsec, Zusec, Bolga Central Institute, and Bonsec.

Drawing from her experience as a broadcast journalist and her deep concern for youth development, Gladys Apuweni used the platform to provide practical health education on the dangers of drug abuse, highlighting its devastating effects on physical health, mental wellbeing, academic life, and long term career prospects. She also addressed the negative consequences of school riots, violence, and indiscipline, urging students to channel their energy into productive and lawful pursuits.
“Drug abuse has become one of the major causes of academic failure and life destruction among the youth,” Gladys Apuweni noted. “As a journalist, I felt it was important to go beyond the studio and engage students directly, educating them on the dangers associated with harmful substances and indiscipline, while encouraging them to stay focused on their studies.”
The campaign emphasized self discipline, responsible decision making, and the importance of education as a foundation for a successful future. Students were encouraged to resist peer pressure, avoid all forms of harmful substances, and uphold values that promote peace and academic excellence within their schools.

Management and staff of the various institutions warmly welcomed and embraced the initiative, commending the outreach as timely and impactful. Many described the engagement as an eye opening experience for students, especially at a time when substance abuse and indiscipline pose serious challenges to school administration and student welfare.
Students, on their part, expressed appreciation for the interactive sessions and pledged to exhibit good conduct, stay away from drugs, and prioritize their education.
The campaign by Gladys Apuweni stands as a powerful example of how media professionals can leverage their influence to drive positive social change, particularly in shaping the attitudes and futures of young people in the Upper East Region and beyond