Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo
The Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, on April 1, 2025, began a community-based campaign against drug abuse as part of the government’s ‘Red Means Stop’ initiative, launched in Accra on March 26, 2025.
The minister kicked off the campaign against the popular opioid “Red,” which has become a household name in the country, at the Legon City Mall during a radio sensitization programme on YFM.
He then proceeded to James Town, where he gathered the youth and community leaders, including popular Ghanaian boxer Bukom Banku, the Member of Parliament for Odododiodio Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie, musician King Jerry, and others, to help combat the menace.
Opare Addo cautioned that drug abuse would destroy the future of the youth, urging them to desist from its use for a brighter future.
He also revealed that the government is prepared to rehabilitate those addicted and train them for jobs so they can reintegrate into society.
“Let your eyes be red to stop red because President John Dramani Mahama is introducing numerous youth relief programmes to improve young people’s lives. If you take these drugs, you are destroying your own future and might miss out on these opportunities,” he said.
He continued, “We came here to start the campaign because this is where the white man first arrived, and civilization began from here. I believe that if we can accept the need to stop drug abuse here, the entire nation will follow.
“If you are addicted, please come forward. We will help you by taking you to a rehabilitation center and providing training so you can reintegrate into society.
“We urge all of you to stop using these drugs and help us identify those who sell them. We are not going to arrest them but rather talk to them about stopping.”
The CEO of the National Youth Authority, Osman Abdulai Ayariga, who accompanied the minister, also cautioned the youth to disassociate themselves from substance abuse.
He explained that drug abuse would only destroy their future.
“We have all seen videos of people walking and sleeping in the streets, which is a disgrace. Is that what you want? Please, let us all join hands to stop ‘Red’ and all other substances that impair our well-being.”
Ghanaian musician King Jerry also called on the youth to heed the minister’s advice and desist from drug use.
Bukom Banku added his voice to the campaign, warning the community about the dangers of drug abuse.
The ministry is driving this campaign in partnership with Entertainment Week Ghana, the National Youth Authority, and YFM.
The drug abuse campaign, launched on March 26, 2025, aims to tackle substance abuse across the country and rehabilitate those affected.
AM/KA
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