NCC, GTA, musician King Jerry to combat youth drug abuse

By Hafsa Obeng

Accra, May 14, GNA – The National Commission on Culture (NCC), Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), and musician King Jerry have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a nationwide campaign against youth drug abuse.

The initiative, dubbed the “Stop the Red” campaign, aims to discourage the use of the substance popularly known as “Red” among Ghanaian youth.

Led by King Jerry, the campaign seeks to raise awareness about the harmful effects of the drug while promoting cultural integrity and the well-being of future generations.

Mr. Wakefield Ackuaku, Executive Director of NCC, said the Commission welcomed the initiative as part of its mandate to protect Ghana’s cultural values.

“We are not going to stop this campaign. It’s too crucial for us as a people, and we will want it to succeed at all costs,” he stated.

He added that progress reports would be generated and shared with stakeholders, including the GTA, and emphasized that all parties, including King Jerry, would be held accountable to the terms of the agreement.

Mr. Ekow Sampson, Deputy CEO of GTA, pledged full support for the campaign, stressing the role of cultural identity in Ghana’s tourism and the need to protect the youth.

“When it comes to tourism in Ghana, it’s culture that we are marketing, so if our youth fall into such vices, it becomes a national concern.

“Seeing young people under the influence of ‘Red’, unable to function normally is disheartening. This campaign is a step in the right direction, and we at the GTA are committed to working together to ensure its success,” he said.

King Jerry expressed gratitude to the NCC and GTA for backing his vision.

“I appreciate both institutions for accepting to partner with me on this initiative.

The motivation behind the campaign is the devastating effect the substance is having on the youth. I thought it wise to use my platform to create this awareness because many of them are abusing the drug,” he said

King Jerry said he chose to collaborate with the NCC and GTA to broaden the reach of the campaign nationwide.

“We want to cover the whole nation and call on Ghanaians to come out and support this initiative. It is for the good of us all.”

The “Stop the Red” campaign will be rolled out in phases nationwide, focusing on education, community outreach, and stakeholder engagement.
GNA
KAS