04/06/2025
Hooked on Red: The Deadly Drug Destroying Ghana’s Youth
In the backstreets of Ghana’s towns and cities, a silent epidemic is growing — and its name is "Red." A new and dangerous substance, "Red" is rapidly becoming the drug of choice among the youth. From Accra to Kumasi, from Tema to Tamale, young men and women are getting hooked — and the consequences are nothing short of devastating.
What Is "Red"?
"Red" is a locally coined term for a combination of tramadol, codeine, energy drinks, and sometimes even cannabis. Some versions are mixed with cough syrup or alcohol, forming a highly addictive and lethal cocktail. The name comes from the reddish color of some of the drinks or pills used in the mixture.
To many young people, it's just another high. But in reality, it’s a trap — a one-way ticket to mental, physical, and social destruction.
Why Are the Youth Hooked?
Unemployment and Hopelessness: With little to no job opportunities, many young people turn to "Red" as a way to escape the harsh realities of life.
Peer Pressure: The pressure to “belong” leads many to experiment with drugs, and soon they become addicted.
Accessibility: "Red" is disturbingly easy to find. Sold in corners, ghettos, and even near schools, it’s often cheaper than food.
Lack of Awareness: Many do not understand the long-term effects — until it's too late.
The Damaging Effects
Mental Health Issues: Anxiety, hallucinations, and even madness are common side effects of prolonged use.
Addiction: Once hooked, many find it almost impossible to stop, leading to dependency and withdrawal symptoms.
Crime and Violence: Many users turn to theft and violence to feed their addiction.
Death: Overdoses are becoming more common, claiming lives far too young.
Stories from the Street
At the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, nurses speak of young boys barely 16 arriving in critical condition after overdosing on “Red.” In neighborhoods like Ashaiman and Suame, parents watch helplessly as their children become unrecognizable, lost in a cycle of drug abuse and depression.
One recovering addict, Kwame, shared:
"I started taking Red when I lost my job. At first, it helped me sleep. Then I couldn’t sleep without it. Now, I’ve lost everything — my family, my future, my peace of mind."
What Can Be Done?
Government Action: Stronger regulation of pharmacies and the illegal drug market is crucial.
Public Education: Schools, churches, and community centers must speak openly about drug abuse and its effects.
Rehabilitation Centers: There’s a growing need for affordable, accessible rehab centers for affected youth.
Parental Involvement: Parents must be vigilant and engage in open, judgment-free conversations with their children.
Conclusion: A Nation at Risk
“Red” is not just a drug. It’s a warning sign — a reflection of a society that is losing its youth to neglect, poverty, and silence. If we do not act swiftly and collectively, the future of Ghana may well be lost to a substance that is cheap, deadly, and far too available.
The time to act is now.
