Senior High School Students and Drugs Abuse, a Mathematical Survey for Educators and Policy Makers

The effects of drugs abuse on the youth have been widely documented by researchers. Many governments and non-governmental organizations that exist educate the youth about the dangers associated with drug abuse. Nonetheless there are still evidences of drug abuse among the youth including students at the Senior High Schools (SHSs) level in Ghana. The use of drugs like tramadol, “wee”, alcohol and other illegal drugs has been commonly noticed among students in some schools in Ghana including the SHSs. The syndrome has both immediate and lasting negative effects in the lives of culprits such as, poor performance, fights among others. Previously, punishments, suspension and canning were used to deter students from the practice but the recent relaxation of these rules in the education sector have paved way for drug abuse in some senior high schools in Ghana. While the situation is worrying not much has been researched to ascertain the situation amidst these relaxed school rules. This study was therefore conducted to determine the rate of drug abuse at the SHS, the factors causing it and suggest effective ways aimed at curbing the menace. To achieve this, different SHS students were contacted during the holidays and administered a questionnaire that solicits the needed information from students regarding the practice. The results are expected to inform educators and policy on descent school administration as well as provide insights as to how drug abuse could be reduced if not eradicated in the senior schools. The study first identified the common drug that student’s abuse, the causes of drug abuse as well as assess the measures that could help reduce drug abuse among SHS students in the Kassena Nankana municipality.