'Red Means Stop' - NYA rallies celebrities, youth against drug abuse

The National Youth Authority (NYA) has taken its “Red Means Stop” campaign against drug and substance abuse to the Independence Square in Accra, bringing together thousands of young people and major celebrities for a day of entertainment and advocacy.

The event, held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, featured music, dance, comedy, skating and biking shows, a food bazaar, youth exhibitions and other activities aimed at engaging young people while delivering a strong message against drug abuse.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Abdulai Ayariga, speaking during the event, stressed the need for sustained education and engagement with young people in the fight against substance abuse.

He said the NYA would continue to use platforms that attract and connect with the youth to promote healthy, responsible and productive lifestyles.

He urged young people to resist peer pressure and stay away from drugs and other substances that could negatively affect their health, education, relationships and future prospects.

According to Ayariga, the “Red Means Stop” campaign "is intended to take the anti-drug abuse message directly to young people in a language and format that resonates with them."

He encouraged young people to channel their energy into education, skills development, entrepreneurship, sports, entertainment and other productive ventures rather than activities that could undermine their future.

The Deputy Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) in charge of Enforcement, Control and Elimination, Alexander Twum-Barimah, has cautioned the public against the sale, importation and exportation of illicit drugs.

Speaking during the exercise, he warned that anyone found engaging in such activities would face the full force of the law.

Musician Medikal, who performed at the event, also urged the youth to desist from drug abuse, warning that it could have serious consequences for their health and well-being.

Ghanaian comedian Funny Face echoed the message, urging young people to stay away from drug abuse, which he said could destroy their future.

Other musicians, including Sefa, also performed at the event to help spread the anti-drug abuse message.

Major celebrities joined the campaign, adding their voices and influence to the call for young people to reject drugs and other harmful substances.

At the centre of the event was the campaign’s simple but powerful message, “Red Means Stop” a call on young people to stop and reconsider choices that could expose them to drug and substance abuse.

The NYA used the entertainment-driven programme to demonstrate how music, celebrity influence, creativity and youth participation can be combined with public education to address a major social challenge.

Participants were encouraged to channel their energy and talents into productive areas such as education, sports, entrepreneurship, skills development, music, the creative arts and other opportunities available to young people.

The event also provided a platform for youth advocates and stakeholders to emphasise the importance of collective action in tackling substance abuse.

The programme was graced by the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, who attended as the special guest of honour.



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