Ghana ready to license industrial, medicinal cannabis industry – President Mahama
Ghana is ready to begin issuing licences for the cultivation, processing and export of industrial and medicinal cannabis under a strict regulatory framework.
This move is an opportunity to unlock a new sector of the economy while maintaining effective oversight.
President John Dramani Mahama who disclosed this while responding to questions at the Media Encounter in Jamaica said parliament had already enacted the necessary legislation governing industrial and medicinal cannabis, paving the way for the operational phase of the industry.
He said changing global attitudes towards cannabis had created new opportunities for countries to harness its medicinal and industrial potential.
“On cannabis, attitudes have changed as its medicinal and industrial benefits become more widely recognised,” he said.
President Mahama noted that although Ghana remained at an early stage of developing the industry, the country had already laid the legal foundation needed to regulate its growth.
“Ghana is still at an early stage in developing its industrial and medicinal cannabis industry,” he stated.
The President explained that Parliament had passed the legislation required to govern the sector and that the regulatory authorities were now prepared to commence licensing.
“Parliament has already passed the necessary legislation governing industrial and medicinal cannabis.
“The Narcotics Control Commission has announced that it is ready to begin issuing licences under strict regulatory supervision,”” he said.
President Mahama stressed that any cultivation, processing and export of industrial and medicinal cannabis would be undertaken within a carefully controlled legal framework to ensure compliance with national laws and international obligations.
“Any cultivation and export of industrial and medicinal cannabis in Ghana will take place under strict licensing and oversight,” he said.
The President indicated that the regulatory regime would ensure the industry develops responsibly while supporting legitimate medicinal and industrial applications of cannabis.
He noted that many countries had begun recognising the economic and therapeutic value of industrial and medicinal cannabis, making it important for Ghana to position itself to benefit from emerging opportunities in the global market.
President Mahama’s remarks come as Government continues efforts to diversify the economy, promote value addition and create new opportunities for investment and employment through well-regulated emerging industries.
He reaffirmed Government’s resolve to ensuring that the development of Ghana’s industrial and medicinal cannabis sector would be guided by strict regulation, transparency and responsible oversight.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
