Government has formally launched Ghana’s Medicinal Cannabis Programme, to allow cannabis cultivation and management strictly for industrial and medicinal purposes under tight regulation.

Speaking at the launch in Accra on Thursday, February 26, of the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak,mentioned that the launch of the programmes comes after the passage of the Narcotics Control Commission Amendment Act, 2023 and the Narcotics Control Cultivation and Management of Cannabis Regulation, 2023, which together establish the legal and regulatory regime for the cultivation and management of cannabis strictly for industrial and medicinal purposes.

He highlighted that "Today’s event marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s commitment to responsible drug control, public health and safety and economic development."

Although the new cannabis programme allows the cultivation of cannabis but for medicinal purpose, Mr Muntaka stressed that recreational use of cannabis remains illegal under Section 45 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020.

Consequently, investors seeking licences in the sector must provide proof of their offtakers before being issued operational licenses.

“We won’t give you the licence if you don’t show us who you are going to sell it to. You need to have an off-taker,” he said.

The offtaker requirement, the Minister said it to check the potential diversion of cannabis into the illegal market and safeguard public safety. Authorities will not permit cultivation without proof of a secured market.

The directive applies across the cannabis value chain, affecting farmers, processors and investors. different activities linkd to the cannabis cultivation. They are 11 licenses he said, for different activities linked to the cannabis business.From the cultivation, to processing, transportation, import and export each licence is activity-specific and non-transferable.

“You cannot cultivate and assume you can transport. You need another licence for that,” he said.

He further disclosed that Ghana does not yet produce the specialised low-THC cannabis seeds required under the programme. As a result, seeds must be imported under licence.

“Government is not positioning itself to provide the seeds. It is a business opportunity for those who want to import,” he said, encouraging research institutions to develop local seed capacity over time.

To ensure compliance, the Interior Ministry, in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission and other security agencies, will deploy surveillance and enforcement mechanisms, including GPS tracking, drone monitoring and unannounced inspections of licensed facilities.

Agencies such as the Police, Immigration Service, Prisons Service and the National Investigations Bureau will support enforcement.

Licensed facilities must also not be located within 100 metres of schools or residential areas, and operators are required to submit quarterly returns.

Mr Mohammed-Mubarak warned that regulatory breaches could damage Ghana’s international standing.

“If we get it wrong, Ghana could easily be blacklisted, and all the efforts will come to nothing,” he said.

While acknowledging the revenue potential of the sector, he emphasised that public safety remains the government’s primary concern.

“Our emphasis is more on security and public safety than the money. If we do it right, the benefits will come,” he said.

The introduction of the off-taker requirement is expected to reshape participation in the emerging industry, raising the entry threshold for prospective operators and limiting licences to investors who can demonstrate full commercial readiness from production to sale.

Mr Mohammed-Mubarak said the government remains open to engagement but firm on enforcement.

“Our doors are open 24-7, but we will make sure the intent of the law is fully achieved,” he said.

Meanwhile ahead of the launch of the programme, government announced that NACOC will implement a licensing regime for medicinal and industrial cannabis cultivation containing no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

This comes after the Chamber of Cannabis Industry in 2025 urged the government to invest in the cannabis sector, highlighting its lucrative potential to generate substantial revenue. This call for investment aligns with the government's reset agenda and aims to diversify Ghana's cash crops, ultimately supporting the nation's economy.

Speaking at the launch of the Chamber of Cannabis Training Centre and Sky Bridge Pharmaceuticals in Accra on January 21, Dr. Mark Darko, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, emphasized that Ghana boasts one of the best climates globally for cultivating cannabis. He revealed that the global cannabis market, valued at $50 billion, offers Ghana an opportunity to generate up to $1 billion annually.

“One can make no less than $10,000 from just one hectare of cannabis. This is a $50 billion industry. If Ghana is able to generate at least $1 billion annually from cannabis, you can imagine what that could do for our country. Cannabis has the potential to reset Ghana’s economy,” he said.

Dr. Darko also encouraged the government to explore cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes, following the approval of the Narcotics Control Commission Bill, 2023, which permits industrial cannabis cultivation. He pointed out that medicinal cannabis is vital for the sector's growth, citing its benefits in managing chronic pain, treating epilepsy, and addressing other health conditions.

“The United States recorded over $11 billion in medicinal cannabis revenue in 2021, and that figure is set to more than double by 2025. Europe, projected to become the largest medicinal cannabis market in the world, is expected to reach $45 billion within the next five years,” he said.

In addition to this, Dr. Darko highlighted the role of the Chamber’s Training Centre, supported by Sky Bridge Pharmaceuticals, in equipping farmers and processors with sustainable cultivation and processing techniques for cannabis and hemp. The Centre will also encourage research and innovation to create products for global markets while promoting ethical practices.

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a herbal medicine derived from Cannabis plants. It is used to treat a variety of symptoms and conditions, including cancer, chronic pain, and mental disorders.

According to Allied Market Research, the global cannabis market was valued at $25.7 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow to $148.9 billion by 2031.