Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of Cannabis at the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), outlined Ghana’s newly formalized framework for cannabis cultivation, processing, and distribution, restricted strictly to medicinal and industrial purposes, while high-THC recreational cannabis remains illegal. The initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to formalize the sector, attract investment, and ensure adherence to international best practices.
He explained that NACOC will oversee all licensing, with a focus on “rigorous vetting,” land verification, and compliance audits to ensure strict adherence to the law. Applicants must be Ghanaian citizens or legally resident in the country, while corporate entities are required to have at least 50% Ghanaian ownership. The framework is designed to prioritise local participation while maintaining high standards of safety and accountability.
Eleven categories of licenses have been defined, including cultivation, processing, transport, import, export, research, distribution, and promotion. Licenses are valid for three years and subject to renewal, with the Commission stressing “strict regulatory review” throughout the approval process.
To strengthen oversight, NACOC will issue QR-coded ID cards to all license holders, adopt drone surveillance for farm monitoring, and conduct both announced and unannounced inspections. Violations, such as “providing false information,” unsafe farming practices, or activities that pose public health risks, may result in license refusal, suspension, or cancellation.
Ligbi also warned that “no middlemen” are allowed in the application process, urging prospective operators to engage directly with the Commission. He noted that the Commission will collaborate closely with other agencies, including the Ministry of Interior, Ghana Police Service, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency, to ensure a secure and well-regulated cannabis industry.
The framework, he said, aims to position Ghana’s medical and industrial cannabis sector as a compliant, transparent, and competitive industry capable of attracting both domestic and international investors.
