The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has attributed the rising spate of violent crimes in Ghana to increasing substance abuse among the youth.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series held at the Jubilee House on Monday, August 4, 2025, the Minister described the trend as alarming and a serious threat to national security and youth development.
“Many of these crimes are rooted in substance abuse, particularly among young people. This is a disturbing trend that not only threatens public safety but jeopardizes the future of our nation,” he stated.
To address the growing crisis, the Ministry has launched a nationwide initiative dubbed the “Red Means Stop” campaign a targeted program aimed at educating and sensitizing the youth on the dangers of drug use, especially the rising abuse of a dangerous opioid cocktail known on the streets as “Red.”
Mr. Opare Addo stressed that the campaign seeks to reach youth directly through schools, communities, and media platforms. As part of the initiative, the Ministry is working closely with the Ghana Education Service (GES) to establish counseling centers in all educational institutions.
“We are encouraging the Ghana Education Service to ensure that every school has a functioning counseling center to engage students and guide them away from drugs,” he said.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to curbing drug abuse through prevention, education, and community-based support systems, calling on stakeholders including parents, educators, and civil society to support the national effort.
