Medikal lauds personal decision to quit smoking and alcohol: “It doesn’t help you grow”

Renowned Ghanaian hip-hop artist Samuel Adu Frimpong, known professionally as Medikal, is opening up about his journey to sobriety, calling his decision to quit smoking and drinking alcohol one of the most significant choices of his life.

Speaking in his capacity as the newly appointed ambassador for the ‘Red Means Stop’ campaign, Medikal took to social media to share his personal experience and encourage the youth to pursue a substance-free lifestyle.

“Quitting was one of the best decisions I ever made,” Medikal shared in a post on X. “As your Red Means Stop Ambassador, I’m not speaking from perfection, I’m speaking from experience. I used to drink and smoke but trust me, it doesn’t help you grow.”

He issued a direct appeal to young people, urging them to avoid self-destructive habits. “Let’s stop smoking, drinking and consuming substances. Stop drugs, stop self destruction and stay focused,” he wrote.

The musician’s remarks come on the heels of his official appointment as an ambassador for the ‘Red Means Stop’ campaign by Ghana’s Ministry for Youth Development and Empowerment. The initiative is aimed at combating drug abuse and promoting healthy living among the youth.

Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, explained that Medikal was strategically chosen for his significant influence among young Ghanaians. He noted that the Ministry intends to leverage the artist’s reach through music and social media to effectively champion the substance-free living agenda.

While the appointment has been met with some public skepticism, with some questioning his past and suitability for the role, Medikal has firmly asserted that he has left those habits behind. His statement serves as a direct response to critics and a testament to his commitment to the cause.

The issue of drug and substance abuse among the youth has become a growing concern in Ghana, prompting calls for action from various stakeholders. The Ministry’s decision to engage a high-profile figure like Medikal represents a strategic effort to connect with and influence the demographic most affected by this challenge.