The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has announced the appointment of Ghanaian rapper Medikal as ambassador for the “Red Means Stop” anti-drug campaign.
The initiative, led by the National Youth Authority (NYA), aims to intensify efforts to combat substance abuse among young people across the country.
According to the Minister, the appointment is intended to make the campaign more relatable and impactful by leveraging influential voices within youth culture.
Medikal’s large following among young Ghanaians, both through his music and social media presence, is expected to enhance the campaign’s reach and credibility.
As ambassador, Medikal will promote anti-drug messaging through his music, public appearances, and digital platforms. His role will include participating in school outreaches, engaging students on the dangers of substance abuse, incorporating campaign themes into music videos and performances, and supporting peer advocacy and youth mobilization initiatives.
Speaking on the floor of parliament, Minister George Opare Addo said the celebrity partnership builds on research aimed at understanding the growing substance abuse trend and identifying effective interventions.
In addition to the ambassadorial appointment, the NYA has outlined a comprehensive plan to scale up interventions nationwide. A key element is a high-visibility billboard campaign designed to reinforce the “Red Means Stop” message along major highways, transport corridors, city centres, market areas, school zones, and youth gathering points.
The campaign is intended to sustain public awareness and drive behavioural change, particularly among vulnerable youth populations.
