Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Mr George Opare Addo, has stressed the urgent need to address opioid abuse and safeguard the well-being of young people in Ghana.

Speaking at this year’s International Youth Day celebration, the Minister praised Ghana’s youth for their growing contributions to innovation, entrepreneurship, social activism, and community development.

He noted that young people are increasingly shifting from being passive beneficiaries of development programmes to becoming active change-makers—leading environmental campaigns, advocating for social justice, and creating opportunities for their peers.

Mr. Addo outlined the Ministry’s initiatives to combat the rising abuse of opioids, which he described as a serious threat to the country’s future.

As part of these efforts, he welcomed a GH¢500,000 donation from the RNAQ Youth Foundation to support awareness, prevention, and rehabilitation programmes.

The donation was presented by the foundation’s founder, Richard Nii Amarh Quaye, during a ceremony at the Ministry’s headquarters.

Mr. Quaye, who employs over 4,000 Ghanaian youth with an average age of 26, warned that opioid abuse is a growing national crisis.

Drawing from his experiences in other African countries such as Sierra Leone, he cautioned that Ghana is on a similar trajectory if decisive action is not taken.

The RNAQ Youth Foundation has been actively involved in initiatives such as food banks and support programs for young entrepreneurs—efforts the Minister said align perfectly with the Ministry’s vision for youth empowerment.