Regional News of Saturday, 29 June 2024

Source: 1radioonline.com

‘Wee toffee’ becoming popular among SHS students in Upper East Region

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The Executive Director of Life Out of Alcohol and Drugs Ghana (LOAD-Ghana) in the Upper East Region, Roger Atambire Abaa, has raised an alarm over the increasing consumption of "wee toffee" among Senior High School (SHS) students.

This substance, a local concoction of marijuana, condensed milk, and sugar, has reportedly become a popular snack among learners, raising significant concerns about its impact on their health and academic performance.

Mr. Atambire described the situation as alarming and widespread.

"If you visit the various SHSs, it is bad. The wee toffee is common among the students. Where they get them, one can't tell, but these learners are consuming these substances like there is no tomorrow, and I think authorities ought to strengthen efforts that can curtail this growing behavior amongst the learners," he stated.

Speaking on A1 Radio during a segment aimed at raising awareness for World Drug Day, Mr. Atambire made an urgent appeal to school authorities and relevant stakeholders to implement concrete measures to address this issue.

He emphasized the need for increased vigilance and proactive interventions to either eradicate or significantly reduce the production and consumption of these substances in and around school premises.

Mr. Atambire's comments highlight a critical issue facing many educational institutions in the region.

The growing trend of "wee toffee" consumption amongst SHS students, he said, is a call to action for parents, educators, and policymakers to prioritize the health and safety of learners