Ghanaian rapper Medikal has been appointed as an ambassador for the National Youth Authority’s “Red Means Stop” campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating the abuse of the synthetic drug popularly known as “red” among young people.
The announcement was made in Parliament on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, by the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo. He explained that the decision to appoint the award-winning musician is intended to leverage his strong influence among Ghanaian youth to amplify the anti-drug message.
“In a strategic move to enhance the campaign’s appeal and credibility among the youth, the National Youth Authority has appointed renowned Ghanaian musician Medikal as an official ‘Red Means Stop’ ambassador. Medikal’s significant influence among young Ghanaians through his music and social media presence makes him an ideal advocate for substance-free living,” the Minister stated.
According to Mr Opare Addo, Medikal will actively promote drug-free living through public engagements and digital platforms. His role will include participating in school outreach programmes, incorporating “Red Means Stop” themes into music videos and performances, and supporting advocacy training and youth mobilisation activities.
The Minister added that beyond the ambassadorial appointment, the National Youth Authority has rolled out additional measures to intensify the fight against substance abuse across the country.
Drug abuse remains a growing concern in Ghana, particularly among young people. Recent data indicate that approximately 50,000 people nationwide are involved in drug use, with about 35,000 of them being students between the ages of 12 and 35. Substances commonly abused include alcohol, synthetic opioids, marijuana and cocaine, with dangerous mixtures such as “red” becoming increasingly prevalent.
Surveys further show that nearly four in ten senior high school students and more than four in ten tertiary students have encountered drug use in their environments. Many first-time users reportedly begin experimenting in their mid-teens. Experts warn that substance abuse is associated with impaired memory, truancy, behavioural challenges and long-term addiction.
The “Red Means Stop” campaign forms part of a broader national strategy under the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment to raise awareness about the dangers of opioid abuse and encourage healthier lifestyle choices among Ghana’s youth.
