Ghana has launched the “Red Means Stop” campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating the growing issue of youth drug abuse. The campaign, led by the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, seeks to raise public awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and implement proactive measures to curb the availability and misuse of these substances, especially among young people.
The campaign’s theme, “Red Means Stop,” is a call to action for every Ghanaian to take a stand against drug abuse. According to Deputy Minister for the Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, 62.3 percent of adolescents in nine senior high schools in the Northern Region have used illicit substances at least once in their lifetime.
The “Red Means Stop” campaign is a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including the Food and Drugs Authority, Standard Authority, Ghana Education Service, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Navy, media, drivers, and the general public. The campaign seeks to raise awareness, drive policy discussions, and take decisive actions against opioid abuse.
Rees Hakeem Oduro, Deputy Regional Commander of the Narcotics Control Commission, noted that most people obtain illicit drugs from pharmacy shops, ghettos, and streets. To address this, the commission is implementing measures to curb the availability and misuse of these substances.
The CEO of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Abdulai Ayariga, also cautioned the youth to refrain from using hard drugs, particularly “Red,” a deadly combination of tapentadol and carisoprodol. He emphasized that the campaign will not only raise awareness but also engage the youth in educating them about the risks of opioid drug abuse.
The “Red Means Stop” campaign is a crucial step towards addressing the growing issue of youth drug abuse in Ghana. With the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, the campaign aims to create a safer and healthier environment for young people to thrive.
Story by: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku
