Ashaiman NCCE holds sensitisation workshop on cybercrime, drug abuse for 600 pupils

The Ashaiman Municipal Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has held a sensitisation programme on Drug Abuse and Cyber Crimes for over 600 pupils from three basic schools in Ashaiman.

It was organised in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and Cyber Security Authority (CSA) and was held on the theme: ‘Securing Our Future: Say No to Drug Abuse and Cyber-crimes.’

It was attended by pupils from Ashaiman Presby ’A’ Basic, Ashaiman Presby Basic ‘B’ and Central Presby & JHS.

The Municipal Director for NCCE, Ashaiman, Ms. Salvata Mawulom Koku said the event was to drum home the menace of drug abuse and the dangers of cyber-crimes.

She said the children are the future of every country and that, it was important to educate them so that they do not fall prey to these vices that will end up destroying their future.

She said that despite the fact that NCCE carries out education as its core mandate, there was the need to bring on board NACOC and CSA to share their expertise.

With pictorial slides, the pupils received a first-hand information on some of the things they have been told.

Madam Ayisha Ibrahim Tarl, Deputy Narcotic Control Officer from the Education & Preventive Department of NACOC, admonished the pupils not to consume substances that contain stimulants, depressant and hallucinogens in a bid to feel good and to help them to solve problems.

She enlightened the children about the offences and penalties of drug related crimes and also shared some travelling tips with the pupils.

She advised them not to fall victims of any drug trafficking scheme if they intend to use any entry and exit points of Ghana, urging them not to allow the love for money to push them into any drug related businesses.

Additionally, she stressed that before travelling, one should buy items they would like to travel with themselves. As well as pack their own luggage.

Furthermore, she travellers to keep their eyes on their luggage, keep it securely closed and never carry luggage, package or gift for anyone across a boarder or security check-points unless they are sure of its content.

The officer also revealed that drugs can be concealed in everyday items and so they should be guided.

Mr Martin Aboagye, an officer from the Child Protective Department of CSA, said in as much as the cyber space was useful and has come to stay, the same space has the potential of being harmful to children when not used properly.

He bemoaned the fact that the cyber space has become a place where people under the guise of business, friendship, acquaintance commit all manner of harm to unsuspecting victims especially children.

Mr Aboagye explained that some of the online risk children face as cyber-bullying, sexual extortion, stalking, cyber grooming and online violence, cautioning that, “since the internet does not forget, children should be careful the kind of digital footprint and reputation they leave on the internet, because it can haunt them in later years.”

He stated the pupils should be careful the kind of images they share and re-post especially with strangers and they should report misbehaviours online.

Madam Gloria Kwakuyi, Municipal Director of Education, Ashaiman called on the pupils to be of good behaviour and use the internet for the benefit it gives.

By Salvata Mawulom Koku

SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS

You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.

Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27