The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has called on young Ghanaians, particularly members of the National Cadet Corps, to become ambassadors against substance abuse.
He described drug abuse as the greatest threat to the country’s youth and future national development.
Addressing the National Cadet Parade to commemorate Republic Day in Accra on Friday, July 3, the Minister said nation-building depends not only on strong institutions but also on the discipline and character of citizens.
He said Republic Day should serve as a reminder of the responsibility every Ghanaian has in safeguarding the country’s future.
“The republic we celebrate today will only remain strong if the generation that inherits it is disciplined enough to protect it,” he said.
Opare Addo praised the National Cadet Corps for its longstanding contribution to youth development since its establishment in 1954, noting that the organisation has consistently nurtured discipline, patriotism, leadership and national cohesion among young people from diverse backgrounds.
He said the corps remains one of the country’s most effective platforms for instilling values that prepare young people for responsible citizenship.
Touching on the theme of the parade, the Minister said while bullying, violence at sporting events, destruction of school property and other acts of indiscipline continue to attract public attention, substance abuse is the underlying challenge fueling many of these incidents.
He described the growing abuse of drugs and other harmful substances among students as a national crisis requiring urgent action.
“No challenge currently threatens the future of Ghana’s young people more quietly, more rapidly and more dangerously than the increase in abuse of drugs and other harmful substances,” he stated.
According to him, the Ministry recently commissioned a nationwide study on alcohol, drugs and substance abuse in secondary and tertiary institutions to provide evidence for policy interventions.
He disclosed that the findings revealed that 41 per cent of tertiary students and 37 per cent of senior high school students reported that drugs are readily available within their institutions.
The Minister also expressed concern about the age at which many young people first encounter drugs, saying 26 per cent begin before the age of 16, while 41 per cent are introduced between the ages of 16 and 17.
“Far too many are being introduced to addiction while they are still in school uniforms,” he lamented.
He stressed that substance abuse is not merely a public health issue but also an educational, economic, security and national development concern because it fuels crime, weakens mental health, reduces productivity and contributes to violence and indiscipline.
Opare Addo announced that reducing substance abuse has been made one of the Ministry’s highest strategic priorities between 2026 and 2029 through the intensified “Red Pill Stop” campaign.
He said the campaign seeks to educate young people that drugs do not make them stronger, more successful or more popular but instead destroys their dreams and potential.
The Minister called for a coordinated national response involving families, teachers, religious leaders, traditional authorities, schools and state institutions, including the Ghana Education Service and the Narcotics Control Commission.
He said the Ministry would continue expanding preventive education, counselling, early intervention and youth engagement programmes across the country.
Addressing the cadets directly, Opare Addo urged them to use their influence to discourage drug use among their peers and stand firm against negative peer pressure.
“True strength is not found in experimenting with drugs. True strength is found in having the courage to refuse them,” he said.
He encouraged the cadets to let their discipline, conduct and leadership inspire hope among other young people.
The Minister urged all Ghanaians to unite in rejecting drugs, violence and indiscipline while embracing patriotism, service and responsible leadership to build a peaceful and prosperous nation.
By Evelyn Tengmaa
