The Ministry of Education has ordered all public basic and senior high schools to include a brief anti-drug message in daily assemblies as part of a nationwide Behavioural Change Communication (BCC) campaign.

Speaking to the media, the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, directed the Ghana Education Service to implement the measure immediately, in partnership with the Interior Ministry and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC).

He reiterated that schools must recite the approved message each school day, immediately after the National Anthem and before the National Pledge.

"The exercise will use a call-and-response format: the assembly leader will say “Don’t start it as a greeting,” and students will reply “To live in regret," he stated.

Mr Iddrisu described the daily recitation as the central element of a broader strategy to prevent substance abuse among school-aged children.

He said this measure will be supported by in-school sensitization, community outreach, and closer collaboration with parents, teachers and local leaders to reinforce prevention and promote healthier choices.

He urged all stakeholders to back the campaign to create safer learning environments nationwide.

“The initiative reflects government’s proactive commitment to protecting learners from the harmful effects of substance abuse and safeguarding their wellbeing,” he said.