The Narcotics Control Commission (Ghana) has announced the opening of applications for licences to cultivate and manage cannabis for industrial and medicinal purposes, marking a significant step in the country’s regulatory framework for the sector.
The announcement follows the official launch of Ghana’s national licensing regime on February 26, 2026, by the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, according to a statement issued by the commission.
The initiative implements Section 43 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), as amended, and Legislative Instrument 2475, which establish the legal framework for regulating cannabis cultivation and related activities in Ghana.
Under the policy, licences will only be granted for cannabis varieties with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry-weight basis, ensuring that the program remains focused on industrial and medicinal applications.
According to the commission, the licensing regime is intended to harness the economic and health potential of cannabis while maintaining strict regulatory oversight.
“The priority remains safeguarding public health and safety while fostering lawful innovation that contributes to the industrial development of Ghana,” the statement said.
The Narcotics Control Commission (Ghana) said licences will cover 11 categories, including cultivation, processing, breeding, research and development, laboratory testing, storage, transportation, import and export.
Officials noted that the programme is designed to support the production of industrial hemp for fibre and seeds, as well as the development of pharmaceutical and health-related products derived from cannabis.
Applications will be processed through a digital platform available on the commission’s website, where prospective applicants can select their licence category, submit required documentation and pay the applicable non-refundable fee.
The commission said payments can be made electronically through Visa cards, mobile money, or via payment vouchers issued by National Investment Bank (NIB) branches nationwide.
The statement was signed by Francis Opoku Amoah, Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations at the Narcotics Control Commission (Ghana), who encouraged interested individuals and companies to take advantage of opportunities within the emerging industry.
He added that the commission remains committed to building a transparent, accountable and well-regulated cannabis industry that protects public health while supporting innovation and economic growth in Ghana.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
