CEO of Hempire Association of Ghana, Nana Kweku Agyemang, believes that the cultivation of industrial cannabis, commonly known as 'wee,' has the potential to address the pollution caused by illegal small-scale mining activities, known as 'Galamsey.'

According to him, industrial cannabis cultivation can absorb harmful chemicals present on farmlands affected by Galamsey, contributing to their purification and restoration.

Nana Agyemang's comments come in response to the passage of the Narcotics Control Commission Amendment Bill 2023 on July 12, 2023, granting the Ministry for the Interior the authority to issue licenses for the cultivation of cannabis for industrial purposes.

He explains that growing cannabis along the banks of water bodies can also contribute to the purification of rivers, making the water suitable for domestic use once again.

By absorbing toxins over time, industrial cannabis can help reclaim polluted lands and enable farmers to resume cultivation of high-value crops.

"Our water bodies can also benefit from the cultivation of industrial cannabis. The plant's growth in these areas can help clean up the water bodies, allowing us to utilize them for our everyday domestic needs," Nana Agyemang states.

In addition to environmental benefits, the CEO highlights the health advantages associated with industrial cannabis cultivation.

He mentions its potential use in treating epilepsy, emphasizing the oil extracted from cannabis as a possible solution for epilepsy-related seizures.

Prior to the passage of the Narcotics Control Commission Amendment Bill, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin expressed concern over the country's loss of potential revenue due to the absence of a cannabis cultivation license.

He noted that Ghana had been unable to tap into the economic opportunities offered by cannabis cultivation.

The Supreme Court had previously declared the law allowing cannabis cultivation unconstitutional, as it had been passed without the required parliamentary debate.

Speaker Bagbin expressed his dissatisfaction with the ruling and stressed the importance of consulting Parliament on such matters to ensure informed decisions.

The passing of the Narcotics Control Commission Amendment Bill opens the door for regulated cultivation of cannabis for industrial purposes, potentially bringing environmental, economic, and health benefits to Ghana.