Students from various senior high schools across the Upper East Region gathered at the St. John Bosco’s College of Education Auditorium in Navrongo on Friday, May 29, 2026, for the “Kampus Konnect” programme where the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Anatuh Anne Seidu Bogobiri Esq., urged the youth to stay away from drug abuse and focus on building meaningful futures.
The programme, held under the theme “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life,” brought together students, teachers, health professionals, and stakeholders to discuss the growing concern of substance abuse among young people and the importance of healthy living.
Addressing the gathering, Madam Bogobiri stressed that drug abuse continues to destroy the dreams and ambitions of many young people, particularly students who are expected to become future leaders and professionals.
Speaking from both personal and professional experience, she said she had witnessed several brilliant young people lose life-changing opportunities because of choices they believed they could manage or control.
“As a mother, a sister, and as someone who has interacted with many young people over the years, I have seen brilliant students lose opportunities because of decisions they thought they could control,” she stated.
“That is why this conversation matters. Your years in school are meant to prepare you for greatness, not to destroy your potential,” she added.
Madam Bogobiri emphasized the importance of good health in national development and individual success, noting that the National Health Insurance Authority continues to encounter situations where people only appreciate the value of good health after experiencing serious health challenges.
“At the National Health Insurance Authority, we see every day how important good health is. Many people suddenly realize that without good health, everything else becomes difficult,” she explained.
She reiterated the long-standing public health message that prevention remains better than cure, urging students to make responsible lifestyle choices that would protect both their physical and mental well-being.
According to her, government interventions in the health sector are aimed at making healthcare accessible and affordable to all Ghanaians, especially vulnerable groups and young people.
She disclosed that participants at the programme were also benefiting from National Health Insurance registration and renewal services, including waiver exercises for persons living with chronic diseases.
“As the MC stated, people are benefiting from NHIS registration and renewal services here today, and there is also a waiver exercise for persons with chronic diseases. While these interventions may appear different, they are all connected because the ultimate goal is to protect lives and make healthcare accessible to ordinary Ghanaians,” she noted.
The Deputy NHIA CEO further encouraged students to become ambassadors against drug abuse within their schools and communities by educating their peers on the dangers associated with substance abuse.
The event formed part of broader efforts to engage the youth on critical social and health-related issues while promoting preventive healthcare and responsible living among students across the country.
Many students who attended the programme described the session as insightful and timely, especially at a period where concerns over substance abuse among the youth continue to rise nationwide.
Source: BlueWaves Radio 93.7Fm | Maurice Duncan | Navrongo
