The National Commission on Culture (NCC), Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), and musician King Jerry have joined forces to launch the “Stop the Red” campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at tackling the growing menace of the drug known as “Red” among young Ghanaians.
The campaign, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed this week, seeks to raise public awareness about the devastating effects of the substance, while promoting cultural integrity and the overall well-being of the youth.
Cultural Responsibility
Mr. Wakefield Ackuaku, Executive Director of the NCC, emphasized that the campaign aligns perfectly with the Commission’s core mission of preserving Ghana’s cultural values and safeguarding future generations.
“Drug abuse among the youth is not just a health crisis, it is a cultural crisis. Our mandate as the National Commission on Culture is to protect the identity and future of our people. We are fully committed to this cause and will ensure the campaign achieves its intended impact,” he stated.
Ackuaku added that regular progress reports would be generated to keep all partners accountable and to assess the effectiveness of the campaign as it progresses.
Tourism and Cultural Integrity
Supporting the campaign, Mr. Ekow Sampson, Deputy CEO of the GTA, highlighted the critical role of the youth in shaping the country’s cultural identity, which in turn drives Ghana’s tourism sector.
“Our culture is our greatest tourism asset, and we cannot afford to let drug abuse erode the foundations of our heritage. The sight of our youth struggling under the influence of ‘Red’ is deeply troubling. This partnership is essential to restore hope and protect the image of Ghana,” Sampson said.
Artist-Led Advocacy
Musician King Jerry, the face of the campaign, expressed his gratitude to both the NCC and GTA for backing his vision.
“This is a mission that goes beyond music. I have seen the damaging effects of ‘Red’ on the youth, and I feel a personal responsibility to use my platform to address this issue. I am grateful for the support from the NCC and GTA in making this a reality,” he said.
King Jerry explained that the decision to collaborate with the two institutions was strategic, aimed at ensuring the campaign reaches every corner of the country.
“We need all hands on deck. This is not just my fight, it’s a national fight. I urge all Ghanaians to come together and support this cause for the good of our youth and our nation,” he added.
The Road Ahead
The “Stop the Red” campaign will be implemented in phases, combining education, community outreach, and stakeholder engagement. The first phase is expected to roll out in the coming weeks, with a focus on building grassroots support and spreading the message through schools, community centers, and social media.
Both the NCC and GTA have pledged to provide ongoing support to ensure the campaign’s success, with a shared commitment to creating a safer, drug-free future for Ghana’s youth.
