Popular hiplife artiste, Jerry Anaba, better known in showbiz as Okomfour Kwadee, has cautioned young people against the rising culture of substance abuse, urging them to adopt healthier alternatives such as physical exercise to boost their energy.
The musician, who joined the Willing Way Recovery and Rehabilitation Centre during its Ghana Against Red Abuse campaign, explained that the use of opioids, red pills, marijuana and other illicit substances may provide a short-term boost but ultimately destroys lives and dreams.
“I have committed myself to this campaign because there is absolutely no future in drugs. Our youth deserve better than addiction,” Kwadee told Adom News at the campaign grounds.
The nationwide initiative, held in the Ashanti Region under the theme “Red Means Stop! Say No to Red”, brought together recovered addicts, health workers and community leaders to create awareness of the dangers of drug abuse, particularly Tramadol 225mg—locally called Red.
Madam Lydia Manu, Chief Executive Officer of Willing Way Recovery and Rehabilitation Centre, called for stronger state intervention to restrict the flow of illicit substances into the country.
“The youth are the future of Ghana, but they are dying because of drugs,” she warned. “Government must act decisively. We also need to understand that addiction is a chronic brain disorder, so moving people out of ghettos is not enough—rehabilitation and support are critical.”
She further lamented that stigmatization after rehabilitation remains one of the biggest obstacles to recovery, as many ex-addicts relapse after being shunned by society.
The Ashanti Regional Mental Health Coordinator, Faustina Nuako, also raised alarm about the growing drug problem in the region. According to her, families often ignore warning signs until users develop severe mental health complications.
“When they start losing touch with reality, you see them roaming and preaching on the streets instead of being taken to a hospital. That is when the situation gets out of hand,” she noted.
The campaign drew testimonies from rehabilitated individuals, health professionals, and community volunteers, all reinforcing one message: Ghana’s future depends on saving the youth from drugs.