The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment has initiated the “Ghana Against Drugs – ‘Red Means Stop’” campaign, a nationwide effort designed to address the increasing issue of substance abuse among the youth.
Launched on March 26, 2025, in partnership with Entertainment Week Ghana, this initiative aims to enhance awareness regarding the risks associated with opioid misuse and to engage policymakers in fortifying regulatory measures.
During the event, Minister George Opare Addo highlighted the ministry’s dedication to comprehensive youth development, emphasizing the necessity of equipping young individuals with tools for civic participation, leadership capabilities, and support for their overall well-being.
“At the core of this mission is the essential need to protect the health and future of our youth,” he remarked.
He cautioned that the swift proliferation of hazardous opioids, particularly one referred to as ‘Red,’ represents a significant danger to Ghana’s young population. “Today, we are taking a firm stance against this threat,” he asserted.
Opare Addo called for united efforts, urging government bodies to implement stringent drug regulations and encouraging both religious and traditional leaders to provide moral support. He also requested the media to help disseminate the campaign’s message.
“To the youth, I urge you to recognize that your future is more valuable than a temporary high. You are important, and your aspirations deserve to be chased. Reject drugs,” he advised.
Deputy Minister of the Interior Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi characterized the campaign’s slogan, “Red Means Stop,” as a rallying cry for all citizens of Ghana.
He referenced a study conducted among adolescents in nine senior high schools in the Northern Region, which indicated that 62.3% had experimented with an illicit substance at least once, with 6.2% engaging in smoking, 5.0% consuming alcohol, and 62.3% using other illegal drugs.
“This campaign transcends mere awareness; it is a call to action,” Terlabi stated. “Let us collectively strive to make Ghana a nation that rejects drug abuse, safeguards dreams, and fosters an environment where our youth can flourish in health and safety.”
