Ghanaian rap artist Medikal has been officially appointed as an ambassador for the National Youth Authority’s ‘Red Means Stop’ anti drug campaign, in a strategic effort to strengthen nationwide education and advocacy against substance abuse among young people. This announcement was made by the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo during a session of Parliament on February 25, 2026.
The ‘Red Means Stop’ initiative, led by the National Youth Authority (NYA) under the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, aims to counter the growing trend of drug misuse across the country especially among adolescents and young adults. Medikal’s appointment reflects an effort to connect the campaign’s message to youth culture by leveraging his significant influence in music and social media.
Role and expectations
As an ambassador, Medikal will actively participate in:
- School outreach programmes designed to educate students about the dangers of substance abuse.
- Public appearances that reinforce drug free living.
- Promotion of the campaign message through his music, performances, and online platforms.
- Engagement in peer advocacy and youth mobilisation efforts nationwide.
Minister George Opare Addo emphasised that the collaboration with Medikal is intended to make the anti drug message more relatable and impactful among young Ghanaians. His large following across social media and the entertainment industry is expected to enhance the visibility and credibility of the movement.
Background the drug abuse challenge in Ghana
Ghana has been grappling with an increase in substance misuse among its youth population. Government figures indicate that tens of thousands of young people, including students, are affected by drug use, with substances ranging from alcohol and marijuana to opioids and synthetic drugs such as “Red,” a form of tramadol and opioid combination that has gained notoriety for its health risks and addictive properties.
Data from recent years suggest that:
- A significant number of senior high school and tertiary students have encountered drug use during their studies.
- “Red” and other unregulated substances have been linked to behavioural problems, impaired memory, addiction, and long term health effects.
Further reinforcing the context for the campaign, authorities such as the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and youth advocacy leaders have publicly warned about the dangers of opioid and narcotic misuse, stressing the need for prevention, education, and law enforcement collaboration.
Campaign expansion and community engagement
The ‘Red Means Stop’ initiative is part of a wider public health approach to combat drug abuse that includes:
- Billboards and visibility efforts in high traffic areas to reinforce messaging.
- Regional and school based outreach events to engage students, families, and community leaders.
- Partnerships with artists and influencers beyond Medikal to amplify the campaign.
Previous activities tied to the campaign have included events such as the ‘Leavers Party in the Park’, where NYA executives and public figures rallied youth to adopt healthy lifestyles and avoid substance misuse.
Public and stakeholder reactions
The decision to involve Medikal has garnered mixed reactions:
- Supporters highlight the value of using prominent cultural figures to reach at risk youth and inspire positive behavioural change.
- Critics have questioned the choice, pointing to the artist’s past public controversies and calling for broader involvement of role models with clean reputations.
Despite this, the Ministry and NYA have defended the selection as a purposeful alignment with the campaign’s objectives of visibility and youth engagement.
The government and campaign partners plan to build on this appointment by intensifying nationwide efforts throughout 2026 and beyond. Key focus areas include prevention education, rehabilitation support, and sustained community mobilisation to fundamentally reduce drug abuse and its ripple effects on health, education, and social wellbeing.
In affirming Ghana’s commitment to a drug free future, Minister Opare Addo reiterated that collaborations such as this represent a multi sectoral approach needed to address one of the most pressing public health challenges facing the nation’s youth today.