Ghana against drugs: Govt launches campaign to curb menace

The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment has launched a national youth anti-drug initiative aimed at combating the rising tide of substance abuse among young people.

Dubbed “Ghana Against Drugs – Red Means Stop,” the campaign seeks to raise public awareness of the dangers of drug abuse, engage policymakers in strengthening regulations and implement proactive measures to curb the availability and misuse of these substances.

It also aims to empower young people with the knowledge and support to make informed choices and champion drug-free lifestyles.

Growing concern

Substance abuse, particularly the misuse of opioids, has become a growing national concern, with the recent spread of the drug known only as “Red” raising alarm.

A few weeks ago, social media was flooded with disturbing videos of young people allegedly under its influence—staggering, slurring their speech, struggling to stay conscious, incoherent or completely unresponsive.

The viral nature of these posts attached to the hashtag “Wonim Red” heightened public concern and prompted urgent calls for action.

The red pill, widely rumored to be a powerful opioid, quickly gained notoriety as TikTok, Twitter and other platforms amplified the crisis, showing its devastating effects in real time.

With public outcry and mounting concerns over youth drug abuse, the government has now responded with a campaign to curb the rise of dangerous substances and protect the country’s future generation.

Speaking at the launch in Accra last Wednesday, the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, said the initiative formed part of the ministry’s mandate to safeguard the health and future of young people.

He stressed that beyond skills and employment opportunities, the youth needed the right tools to enhance their civic engagement, leadership capabilities and overall well-being.

Therefore, he described the emergence of highly addictive opioids as a national emergency that required immediate intervention, adding that the initiative would not only raise awareness but also ensure that concrete steps were taken to protect the future of young people.

The minister emphasised that the fight against drug abuse could not be won by the government alone and called on all sectors of society to play their part in ensuring that the youth were protected from the devastating consequences of drug addiction.

He said government institutions had a responsibility to tighten regulations and crack down on the illegal distribution of opioids, while civil society organisations had to step up their efforts in educating the public and offering rehabilitation services.

He also highlighted the crucial role of traditional and religious leaders, urging them to provide moral guidance and support within their communities.

The media, he noted, also had a critical role to play by amplifying the message of the campaign and ensuring accountability from all stakeholders.

Above all, he called on young people themselves to take ownership of the fight against substance abuse, stressing that their active participation in the campaign would be key to its success.

Call to Action

The minister explained that the slogan “Red Means Stop” was meant to serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with drug use.

“Just as a red traffic light signals danger and the need to stop, we must recognise the life-threatening consequences of opioid abuse and take decisive action against it,” he explained further. 

The minister urged policymakers, educators, parents and community leaders to join forces in ensuring that every young person understood the risks involved in substance abuse.

“Let every ministry, department and agency take up this cause, develop institution-specific messages and work together to ensure that our young people are protected from the devastating grip of substance abuse,” he added. 

Advice

Addressing the youth directly, he reminded them that their futures were far too valuable to be sacrificed for a “fleeting high.”

He encouraged them to stay focused on their goals, surround themselves with positive influences and seek help if they found themselves struggling with addiction.

He stressed that no one battling drug abuse should feel alone and urged affected individuals to take advantage of national helplines, counseling services and support groups.

“Together, we can and must put an end to the opioid crisis.

Let this campaign be a beacon of hope and a testament to our unwavering commitment to protecting the future of our youth,” he concluded.