Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare, has cautioned Ghanaian youth about the dangers of substance abuse.

According to him, no dream should be sacrificed for drugs.

Speaking at the press launch of the ‘Red Means Stop’ campaign in Accra on March 26, he underscored the devastating impact of opioid addiction, urging young people to make choices that protect their future.

"Your dreams are too valuable to be sacrificed on drugs. Your potential is too precious to be squandered on fleeting highs. You’ll get high for 10 to 20 minutes, and then you come back to reality," he cautioned.

He further urged all well-meaning Ghanaians to support efforts to combat drug abuse, stating, “Every individual who means well for Ghana must join in this fight and ensure the message of ‘Red Means Stop’ reaches every corner of this country.”

The Minister compared the fight against drug abuse to the ongoing battle against illegal mining (galamsey), insisting that the same intensity and commitment must be applied to tackling the opioid crisis affecting young people.

Also at the event were National Youth Authority CEO Malik Basintale, officials from the Narcotics Control Commission, among others.

The ‘Red Means Stop’ campaign, launched in collaboration with Entertainment Week Ghana, aims to raise awareness, educate communities, and push for stronger policies to curb substance abuse.

It is expected to engage schools, communities, and entertainment stakeholders, urging them to play a role in preventing substance abuse and supporting rehabilitation efforts.