Accra: The Chamber of Cannabis Industry Ghana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Vermont State University (VTSU) in the United States to strengthen research, training, and knowledge exchange in the country's emerging cannabis sector.
According to Ghana News Agency, the agreement marks a significant international collaboration since Ghana legalized cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes. This partnership is expected to provide capacity-building opportunities for Ghanaian entrepreneurs, students, and professionals. The MOU was signed by Mr. Mark G. Darko, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Cannabis Industry Ghana, and Dr. Philip Lamy, Professor of Sociology and Anthropology and Coordinator of the Cannabis Studies Programme at Vermont State University, Castleton.
Mr. Darko highlighted that the partnership creates opportunities for Ghanaians to access world-class training, research, and innovation that can be directly applied to their context. He emphasized that it positions Ghana to become a hub for cannabis expertise in Africa, thereby opening doors for local farmers, healthcare professionals, and entrepreneurs to enter the global market.
Dr. Lamy expressed Vermont State University's eagerness to share its expertise with Ghana, stating, "We are committed to supporting Ghana's cannabis journey through education, research, and capacity building. This is a chance for mutual growth, as we learn from each other's experiences while strengthening international networks."
The collaboration will focus on educational and training programs, research and innovation into medicinal and industrial hemp, exchange opportunities for students and professionals, and entrepreneurship development to support small and medium enterprises in product development for local and export markets. The Chamber noted that the partnership would create new opportunities for farmers, career pathways for young professionals, and new sources of jobs and revenue for communities.
The health sector is also anticipated to benefit from innovative medicinal applications and therapies. Mr. Darko expressed optimism about the future of the partnership, describing it as "a bridge between Ghana and the U.S. that will open doors for investment, knowledge transfer, and innovation."
The Chamber emphasized that Ghana's cannabis industry remains guided by law. The 2023 amendment to the Narcotics Control Commission Act permits cultivation strictly for medicinal and industrial purposes, with a THC content of not more than 0.3 percent, while recreational use remains illegal.
The MOU is also expected to provide policymakers and regulators with evidence-based research to inform licensing, cultivation, and product development decisions, ensuring alignment with both national laws and international standards. With Ghana preparing to operationalize its cannabis framework, the Chamber stated that the agreement with Vermont State University positions the country to capture maximum value from the sector while reinforcing its commitment to lawful and sustainable development.
