COMSAG Week Launched at UDS with Call to Combat Drug Abuse Through Communication
Report: Iddrisu Kumbundoo
The Communication Students Association of Ghana (COMSAG) at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Nyankpala Campus, has officially launched its annual week celebration with a call on students to use effective communication as a tool to combat illicit drug abuse.
Alhassan Angaangmeni Ibrahim, Chief Editor of Zaa TV made the call while speaking on the theme “The Role of Effective Communication in Preventing Illicit Drug Abuse.”
Addressing an event to commence the week-long celebrations, Ibrahim described illicit drug abuse as a growing national concern that extends beyond health to include social, economic, and security implications.
He noted that substance abuse continues to affect many young people in Ghana, undermining productivity, mental well-being, and social stability.
“Illicit drug abuse is not merely a health concern; it disrupts families, weakens communities, and threatens national development,” he stated.
Highlighting the importance of communication, the ZAA Television editor explained that effective communication plays a critical role in shaping perceptions, influencing behaviour, and inspiring change.
He stressed that many young people fall into drug abuse due to ignorance, misinformation, and curiosity, and called on communication students to use various media platforms,including radio, television, social media, and community engagement to create awareness.
“As future media professionals, you have a responsibility to ensure that the messages you put out are accurate, relatable, and impactful,” he advised.
Other speakers at the event took time to decry the effect of substance abuse and cautioned to students to steer clear in order to safeguard their future.
They also encouraged the students to leverage their communication skills to influence public discourse and contribute meaningfully to the fight against illicit drug abuse in Ghana.
The event, held under the auspices of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, marked the beginning of a week-long series of activities aimed at engaging students and promoting professional development.
The event was graced by the Chiefs of Nyankpala and Woribogu, the Northern Regional Police Commander and his Public Relations Officer, Principal of the UDS Nyankpala Campus, Heads of Departments and lecturers and students of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies.
