Ghana’s No.1 urban radio station, YFM, as the official media partner for the Ministry for Youth, Development and Empowerment on the Red Means Stop Campaign, has launched the first on-air cautionary alert against drug abuse among the youth in Ghana.
In an outdoor broadcast at the Legon City Mall, YFM hosted the Minister for Youth, Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Osman Ayariga Esq., as they joined host of the Y Leaderboard Series, Rev Erskine, to discuss the urgent need for action against the rising abuse of the latest substance mixture, ‘Red’.
The Minister expressed his strong commitment to driving the campaign forward, emphasizing YFM’s pivotal role as a partner in this initiative. He highlighted the government’s extensive plans for Ghana’s youth, underscoring the necessity for them to remain healthy and focused to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The CEO of the National Youth Authority commended YFM for consistently prioritizing youth issues. He urged young Ghanaians to safeguard their future and that of the nation rather than succumbing to fleeting moments of cheap dopamine and ecstasy. “Let’s stop Red before it stops us,” he stated.
Rev Erskine reinforced YFM’s dedication to youth welfare, raising concern about the alarming rise in ‘Red’ abuse, a combination of tramadol and opioids among Ghanaian youth. He stated, “Today, we are here at YFM to campaign against drug abuse and the intake of various substances by Ghana’s youth. YFM holds a mandate as a voice of the youth, and this shows our concern. This proves that we care.”
The Red Means Stop Campaign radio engagement, organized by YFM in collaboration with the Government of Ghana and Entertainment Week Ghana, is part of a nationwide effort by the Ministry of Youth, Development and Empowerment to combat the increasing abuse of opioids, particularly the deadly ‘red’ pill.
By: Kobina Baidoo
