Medikal will aid the NYA’s campaign to combat the rising use of Red among young people
Popular Ghanaian musician Medikal has been named as an official ambassador for the National Youth Authority’s (NYA) “Red Means Stop” campaign.
This was announced by the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo in Parliament on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
According to the minister, the move is part of a strategic effort to harness Medikal’s influence to amplify the campaign’s reach and impact, particularly among youth at risk of substance abuse.
The campaign is aimed at combating the rising use of the synthetic drug commonly referred to as “Red” among young people.
“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,” he said.
Illegal drugs worth GH¢2.4 million destroyed
His role will include participating in school outreach programmes, featuring anti-drug messages in his music videos and performances, making public appearances, and engaging youth through online platforms under the campaign’s banner.
“As a ‘Red Means Stop’ Ambassador, Medikal serves as a visible role model championing anti-drug messaging through his artistic work, public appearances and social media platforms,” he added.
Opare Addo further added that the NYA has also introduced additional measures to bolster the fight against substance abuse among young Ghanaians, amid growing concern over drug use in the country.
Recent estimates indicate that roughly 50,000 people in Ghana are reported to be drug users, with about 35,000 of them being students aged between 12 and 35 years.
Substances commonly abused include alcohol, synthetic opioids, marijuana and cocaine, and dangerous combinations like “Red” have become increasingly prevalent.
The “Red Means Stop” campaign is part of a wider national initiative under the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment to educate young people on the risks associated with opioid abuse and to encourage healthier, drug-free lifestyles.
Watch the video below:
🇬🇭 Ghanaian rapper Medikal has been appointed as the new ambassador for the National Youth Authority’s anti-drug initiative, ‘Red Means Stop’, aiming to educate youth and curb substance abuse. pic.twitter.com/nDj4WbE4p4
— CDR AFRICA (@cdrafrica) February 26, 2026
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