Rising ‘RED’ Opioid Addiction Grips Ghana’s Youth: A Growing Crisis
A disturbing trend is unfolding in Ghana’s urban ghettos, where the abuse of a potent opioid known as “RED” is becoming increasingly widespread among the youth. This drug, primarily composed of tramadol, is wreaking havoc on the health and social well-being of its users, with many turning to it for relief from physical pain, exhaustion, or stress.Viral videos circulating on social media show people nodding off or falling into a stupor in public, often as a result of RED abuse. The drug’s popularity is rising due to its easy accessibility and affordability, despite being a controlled substance.One user, Fada, explains, “RED gives me the energy to work, so I love it. I don’t take it regularly, only when I’m in pain.” Others, like Nana Kwesi, an artifact trader, describe using RED as a performance enhancer: “I can walk from Kumasi […]