Accra: The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has warned the public of unauthorized, unaccredited, or uncertified individuals, groups, or associations claiming to facilitate, broker, or secure the acquisition or issuance of cannabis licences, stating that no entity has been authorized to act on its behalf.
According to Ghana News Agency, a statement issued by Mr. Francis Opoku Amoah, Acting Director, Public Affairs and International Relations, cautioned all prospective applicants not to pay money to anyone purporting to act as an agent, intermediary, or consultant for cannabis licensing. The statement emphasized that all licensing processes would be conducted only by the Commission and not through third parties. It further noted that official fees and charges applicable to the licensing process would be published by the Commission upon approval by Parliament.
The statement advised the public to exercise patience and allow Parliament to complete its work on the procedures for acquiring a cannabis license and to pass the relevant bill. It highlighted that Section 43 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), as amended by the Narcotics Control Commission (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act 1100), empowers the Minister for the Interior to grant licences to cultivate cannabis. The cultivation must have a THC content not exceeding 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis, for industrial purposes (fibre or seed) or for medicinal purposes. It does not authorize recreational use.
NACOC, in accordance with the Narcotics Control Commission (Cultivation and Management of Cannabis) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2475), has instituted the necessary policies and measures to ensure a transparent, fair, and robust cannabis regulatory regime for the benefit of all Ghanaians. The statement reiterated that until the framework was finalized and licences were duly issued, the possession, use, cultivation, sale, and trafficking of cannabis and other narcotic drugs remained prohibited by law, except as expressly permitted under Act 1019.
The public was informed that official updates will be communicated only through NACOC’s verified channels.