Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has called for a united national effort to combat the alarming rise in drug abuse among Ghanaian youth.
Speaking at the launch of the Red Means Stop Campaign’s radio roadshow hosted by YFM at the Legon City Mall on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, he warned that the increasing abuse of drugs poses a major threat to Ghana’s future.
“The youth are the future of Ghana. They are the ones who will drive industry and champion development. If they are engaging in drug abuse, then our future is at stake.”
He commended the media’s role in exposing the dangers of illegal mining but stressed that tackling drug abuse requires an even greater focus. He specifically highlighted the growing misuse of tramadol and opioid mixtures, commonly known as ‘red.’
“I’ve told many of our friends in the media that they did well in the fight against galamsey, but this menace is even worse. Many of those working in galamsey pits are using these drugs. Imagine the risks when someone operating heavy machinery is high.”
Opare Addo urged all Ghanaians to take responsibility and join the fight against this crisis.
“You may think this isn’t your problem, but these individuals live in our communities, and none of us have full control over our environment.”
The Red Means Stop Campaign radio engagement, organized by YFM in collaboration with the Government of Ghana and Entertainment Week Ghana, is part of a nationwide effort by the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment to curb the rising abuse of opioids, particularly the deadly ‘red.’
