The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, has stressed the need for a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to tackle the growing crisis of substance abuse among Ghana’s youth. He emphasized that the theme of the campaign, “Red Means Stop,” serves as a call to action for all Ghanaians to take a stand against drug abuse.
Hon. Opare Addo made these remarks during an appearance on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra.
He advocated for an inter-agency approach to combat the abuse of harmful substances that are eroding the country’s active youth population. The Minister pointed out that young people are the backbone of any nation, with many serving in critical roles in sectors like the military and workforce. Protecting this demographic is crucial to securing the nation’s labor potential for future development.
“The youth represent 38% of the active workforce, and if we don’t take action to address the rising rates of drug consumption, we risk undermining the future of our nation. All sectors involved with the youth must rally together to protect them,” he said.
In another development, the Deputy Minister for the Interior, Hon. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, joined Hon. Opare Addo at the press launch of the National Youth Anti-Drug Campaign, titled “Ghana Against Drugs (GAD) – Red Means Stop.” This campaign aims to confront the increasing substance abuse crisis among Ghanaian youth.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister Terlabi highlighted concerning statistics, revealing that 62.3% of adolescents from nine senior high schools in the Northern Region have used illicit substances at least once in their lifetime. He also raised alarm about dangerous new drug combinations, such as “Red”—a lethal mix of tapentadol and carisoprodol—that poses a significant threat to the youth.
Hon. Terlabi called on the youth to reject drugs, stressing that addiction can destroy their futures. He also underscored the importance of collective action, urging media outlets, parents, teachers, community leaders, and young people themselves to champion the cause.
The Deputy Minister commended Hon. Opare Addo for spearheading the initiative and assured the Ministry of the Interior’s full support in the fight against drug abuse.
The launch event brought together key stakeholders from various sectors, including government ministries, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, and civil society organizations. The campaign aims to raise awareness, foster policy discussions, and take decisive action against the growing opioid crisis.
Story by: Alexander Kukah
Email: kukahalexander7@gmail.com
