Ghana has taken another step towards developing a regulated cannabis industry, with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) granting cultivation licences to two companies for medicinal and industrial purposes.
MJ Adom Limited and Juliopta Limited have been authorised to cultivate cannabis with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of not more than 0.3 per cent, the legal threshold approved for industrial and medicinal use in Ghana.
NACOC says the initiative is expected to create jobs, attract investment and support research into the potential uses of cannabis under a strictly controlled framework.
Speaking at the presentation of the licences, the Director-General of NACOC, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, said the approval process was rigorous to ensure only qualified companies entered the sector.
He explained that the two companies underwent technical assessments, field inspections and reviews by a multi-agency committee before their applications were forwarded to the Minister for the Interior for final approval.
Major General Mantey stressed that cannabis cultivation remains illegal unless it is done under a valid licence and within the approved THC limit.
“Only licensed cultivation of cannabis with a THC content of not more than 0.3 per cent is legal. Recreational cannabis remains illegal, and anyone who cultivates without a licence faces the full force of the law.”
He described the licensing programme as a pilot initiative aimed at allowing Ghana to explore the economic and medicinal benefits of cannabis while preventing abuse.
The NACOC Director-General warned that the licences could be revoked if the companies fail to comply with regulatory requirements.
He added that NACOC officers would conduct inspections, including unannounced visits, to ensure compliance.
Licence holders whose crops exceed the approved THC limit are required to immediately notify the Commission for the necessary action, including disposal.
The licences are valid for three years, subject to continued compliance with regulations and renewal approval by NACOC.
The Commission says recreational use and unlicensed cultivation of cannabis remain prohibited under Ghana’s laws.
By Peter Quao Adattor/paqmediagh
