The Ghana Education Service has been urged to intensify measures to address the reported consumption of toffees laced with Indian hemp among some Junior High and Senior High School students, with mental health authorities warning of the potential consequences for young people’s wellbeing and education.
The Ghana Education Service has been urged to strengthen measures aimed at preventing students from consuming toffees and other confectionery products reportedly containing Indian hemp.
The call was made by the Bono Regional Coordinator of Mental Health, Joseph Yere, who raised concerns about the reported consumption of the products by some students in Junior High Schools and Senior High Schools.
Mr Yere made the call in Sunyani as concerns about substance-related challenges among young people continue to receive attention from health and education stakeholders.
According to the Ghana News Agency report published on Monday, August 24, the mental health official wants the Ghana Education Service to intensify measures to control the consumption of the products in schools.
The concern is significant because schools have a responsibility to provide an environment that supports students’ education, safety and general wellbeing.
The reported use of confectionery products containing substances associated with cannabis creates additional challenges for teachers, school administrators and parents.
Teachers may have difficulty identifying products that appear similar to ordinary sweets or toffees.
This makes awareness and monitoring particularly important.
School authorities may need to work closely with parents, health professionals and community leaders to educate students about the risks associated with consuming unknown products.
Parents can also play a role by paying attention to the products children purchase and consume.
Mental health professionals have repeatedly emphasized the importance of early intervention when young people face challenges involving substance use.
Schools provide an important setting for prevention because students spend a significant portion of their time within educational institutions.
Education about harmful substances can therefore be incorporated into broader health and life-skills programmes.
The issue also highlights the need for cooperation between the Ghana Education Service and health authorities.
Mental health professionals can provide schools with information and guidance on identifying warning signs and supporting students who may need assistance.
Teachers can then direct students to appropriate professional services rather than attempting to handle complex health issues without specialist support.
The reported consumption of the products also raises questions about how such items enter school communities.
School authorities may need to strengthen supervision around school premises and engage vendors who sell food and confectionery to students.
Community education could also help reduce the availability of products containing undisclosed or harmful substances.
The challenge extends beyond schools because young people can obtain products from shops and other locations outside school premises.
This means that addressing the issue will require cooperation between schools, parents, communities, health professionals and relevant regulatory authorities.
The Ghana Education Service may therefore need to develop clear guidelines for schools dealing with suspected cases.
Such guidelines could cover prevention, reporting, parental involvement and referral for professional assistance.
At the same time, students need accurate information rather than fear-based messaging.
Young people should be encouraged to understand that products whose ingredients are unknown can pose risks and should not be consumed simply because they resemble ordinary sweets.
Health education programmes can provide students with practical information about making safer decisions.
Teachers can also encourage students to report suspicious products or situations to trusted adults.
Mental health professionals can support schools by conducting educational sessions and helping staff understand how to respond appropriately.
The issue also demonstrates the importance of collaboration between education and health institutions.
While the Ghana Education Service is responsible for the education environment, health authorities have expertise in addressing the potential physical and psychological consequences associated with substance exposure.
Joint interventions could therefore produce stronger results.
Parents and guardians have also been encouraged to maintain open communication with children.
Students may be more willing to discuss concerns when they know they can approach trusted adults without immediately facing harsh judgment.
Schools can support this by strengthening counselling services and creating safe channels through which students can report concerns.
The reported issue comes at a time when Ghana continues to focus on improving mental health awareness among young people.
Mental health is closely connected to education because students experiencing psychological difficulties may struggle with concentration, attendance and academic performance.
Early identification and appropriate support can help students remain engaged in school.
Authorities will therefore need to consider both prevention and support when addressing concerns about laced confectionery products.
The Ghana Education Service has yet to announce any nationwide measures specifically in response to the latest call, but the issue is likely to require further attention from education and health stakeholders.
For now, mental health authorities are urging stronger action to protect students from potentially harmful products.
The call reinforces the need for schools and communities to remain vigilant while providing young people with accurate health information.
Ultimately, preventing substance-related problems among students will require cooperation among schools, parents, health professionals, communities and relevant government agencies.
The objective is not only to stop harmful products from reaching students but also to ensure that young people have access to the information and support needed to make safe decisions and remain focused on their education.
By: Oppong Frimpong Richard