Your dreams are too valuable to be sacrificed on drugs - Youth Minister

Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare, warned Ghanaian youth about substance abuse.

He emphasized that no dream should be sacrificed for drugs.

Opare spoke at the ‘Red Means Stop’ campaign launch in Accra on March 26. He highlighted the severe impact of opioid addiction on young people.

He urged them to make choices that protect their future.

"Your dreams are too valuable to be sacrificed on drugs," he said.

He added, "Your potential is too precious to waste on fleeting highs."

"You’ll feel high for 10 to 20 minutes, then return to reality," he cautioned.

Opare called on all Ghanaians to support efforts against drug abuse. He stated, “Everyone who cares for Ghana must join this fight.”

He stressed that the message of ‘Red Means Stop’ should reach every corner of the country.

The Minister compared fighting drug abuse to combating illegal mining (galamsey). He insisted that both issues require equal intensity and commitment.

Also present were National Youth Authority CEO Malik Basintale and officials from the Narcotics Control Commission.

The ‘Red Means Stop’ campaign was launched with Entertainment Week Ghana's collaboration. Its goal is to raise awareness and educate communities about substance abuse.

The campaign will push for stronger policies against drug use. It aims to engage schools, communities, and entertainment stakeholders in prevention efforts.