The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga, has called on media organisations nationwide to step up efforts in the fight against drug abuse, stressing that the mental health and well-being of Ghana's youth must be treated as a national priority.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Saturday, July 5, Ayariga expressed deep concern about the increasing use of harmful substances among young people, including vaping devices and related products, describing them as a growing health risk.
Ayariga commended Channel One TV and Citi FM for their continued support, particularly in amplifying the NYA's "RED Means Stop" campaign-a national initiative aimed at curbing substance abuse among the youth. "This is not just a fight for the National Youth Authority, but we're also calling on all private entities, media houses like yourself [Channel One TV/Citi FM], I want to commend your media house, which has taken this fight against drug abuse." He added, "When we launched the RED means stop campaign, your media house [Channel One TV/Citi FM] has been so supportive, they have made sure this has also become a campaign for them.
It's not just about fighting other menaces, beyond making money as a country and finding jobs for the youth, their social being, and their mental health are also very important.
