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Criminologist identifies identity crisis and peer influence as root causes of drug abuse in Ghanaian schools
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Dr. Jones Opoku-Ware, a Ghanaian criminologist and lecturer at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, attributes the rise in drug abuse among Senior High School students to identity crises and peer group influence. He states that many young people enter secondary school lacking a strong sense of self, making them susceptible to peer pressure and substance abuse. Dr. Opoku-Ware explains that families are primarily responsible for providing children with a sense of identity and belonging, but many parents are failing in this role. This void is often filled by peer groups that offer acceptance, sometimes initiating individuals into drug use. He emphasizes that peer pressure is particularly strong during secondary school as adolescents seek to define themselves. Dr. Opoku-Ware suggests that strengthening family support systems and fostering a strong sense of identity in children from an early age could reduce their vulnerability to peer influence and drug abuse.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Must ReadBernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison with hard labor. An Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, delivered the judgment on July 20, 2026. The court ruled that Antwi-Boasiako, as the first accused, would serve 20 years for count 1 and another 20 years for count 4, with both sentences running concurrently. Additionally, he was fined 10,000 penalty units for each count, with a default of three years' imprisonment with hard labor if the fines are not paid. The court noted that Antwi-Boasiako was a first-time offender. A 59-page court ruling details the trial and the reasons for the decision.
Must ReadBernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party NPP, has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment with hard labor. This follows his conviction on all six counts related to alleged illegal mining activities. Chairman Wontumi, along with Akonta Mining Company Limited and Kwame Antwi, faced trial over their involvement in mining operations on the company's concession at Samreboi in the Western Region. The Criminal Court 4 Division of the High Court, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, delivered the judgment on July 20, 2026. The prosecution accused the defendants of unlawfully assigning mineral rights and facilitating mining activities without the necessary approvals, violating the Minerals and Mining Act. A video shows Chairman Wontumi being escorted into a prison vehicle after his sentencing.
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