Gov’t Launches ‘Red Means Stop’ Campaign to Combat Youth Drug Abuse
The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment has rolled out a nationwide initiative, ‘Red Means Stop’—also known as ‘Wo Nim Red?’—to tackle increasing drug abuse among young Ghanaians through education, prevention, and community outreach.
- ‘Red Means Stop’ campaign targets youth drug abuse nationwide
- Initiative includes school outreach, peer education, and community interventions across all 16 regions
- Ministry urges collaboration with parents, teachers, and leaders to safeguard youth health and wellbeing
The Government of Ghana has unveiled a bold new campaign dubbed “Red Means Stop”—or “Wo Nim Red?” in local parlance—to combat rising youth drug abuse across the country.
Launched by the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, the initiative will span all 16 regions, targeting schools, youth groups, and communities with prevention, education, and rehabilitation activities.
Minister George Opare Addo, who announced the campaign at the Jubilee House, emphasized that youth substance abuse is a growing public health crisis that demands urgent and collective action. The programme focuses particularly on curbing opioid misuse and harmful drug consumption through relatable, culturally-sensitive outreach.
Describing it as more than just awareness, the minister said “This campaign is a movement”— one that also seeks to promote mental wellness, reproductive health, and youth empowerment services.
The Ministry called on all stakeholders—from families and teachers to chiefs and civil society—to unite in creating a healthier, drug-free future for Ghana’s youth.
