Social media users have launched the #StopRed campaign, calling on Ghanaian authorities to take urgent action against the widespread abuse of high-dose Tablet Red, a dangerously potent form of tramadol.
The movement, which has gained traction across various platforms, is demanding stricter regulations and enforcement to protect Ghanaian youth from the devastating effects of the drug.
Tramadol is a prescription painkiller, but its misuse has become a growing public health crisis in Ghana.
The 225mg Tablet Red, which contains dangerously high doses of the opioid, is not approved by Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
The regulatory body only permits tramadol in 50mg and 100mg doses, meaning any product exceeding this limit is illegal.
Despite this, high-dose versions, including 120mg, 200mg, and 225mg, continue to flood the market, endangering lives.
BBC Exposé on Opioid Crisis in Africa
The #StopRed campaign follows a recent BBC Africa Eye exposé that uncovered the alarming scale of opioid abuse and illegal tramadol sales in Ghana, Nigeria, and other African countries.
The investigative report revealed how traffickers and corrupt networks are fueling a silent epidemic, smuggling unregulated, high-dose opioids into communities where they are being abused by young people, including students and workers.
The exposé also highlighted how these dangerous drugs are easily accessible on the black market, with dealers operating both openly in marketplaces and discreetly through hidden supply chains.
In Ghana, tramadol abuse has been linked to severe addiction, mental health issues, and a rising number of overdoses and deaths, sparking concerns among health professionals and advocacy groups.
As the #StopRed campaign gathers momentum, activists and concerned citizens are urging the government to crack down on the illicit tramadol trade, strengthen enforcement at Ghana’s borders, and increase public education on the dangers of opioid abuse.
Read some of the tweets gathered by Mynewsgh.com below:
#StopRed
pic.twitter.com/uKCJ7bnhw9— Jeremie 🦉❤️ (@speedjeremie1) March 3, 2025
tag 5 people under this post and tell them to share the message with the hashtag #StopRed pic.twitter.com/zydPmPuXtZ
— KALYJAY (@gyaigyimii) March 3, 2025
The recent increase in hard drug use is quite disturbing, considering the social and health implications for those affected, as well as the negative impact on the community.#StopRed
— JOSHUA AGBOZO🎙🇬🇭 (@AjoshuaOfficial) March 4, 2025
yo @gyaigyimii as we’re here advocating for the #StopRed campaign, they’re also on TikTok organizing a ‘Wonim Red’ program. 😹😹😹 pic.twitter.com/VSeXGp40lz
— 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚈𝙰𝚆 𝙻𝙴𝙶𝙰𝙲𝚈𝚈 (@yawlegacyy_) March 4, 2025
Wonim Red? It’s better you don’t get to know….
Abstain from it. Wonim nso a, #StopRed now… pic.twitter.com/6tug3PYxHP— Mr Armstrong Utd (@MrStrong_Utd) March 3, 2025
We have a big problem on our hands. pic.twitter.com/OtihWhaWmE
— Dr. George (@GeorgeAnagli) March 3, 2025
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