The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has granted licences to two companies to cultivate cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes under Ghana’s regulated cannabis framework.
The licences, issued to MJ Adom Limited and Juliopta Limited, permit the cultivation of cannabis with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of not more than 0.3 per cent.
The initiative is expected to promote investment, create employment opportunities and support scientific research while ensuring strict regulatory oversight.
Speaking at the licence presentation ceremony, Director-General of NACOC, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, said the approval process was intentionally rigorous to ensure that only qualified companies entered the emerging industry.
He explained that both companies underwent comprehensive technical assessments, field inspections and evaluations by a multi-agency technical committee before recommendations were submitted to the Minister for the Interior for final approval.
Major General Mantey emphasised that cannabis cultivation remains illegal in Ghana unless it is carried out under a valid licence and within the approved THC threshold.
“Only licensed cultivation of cannabis with a THC content of not more than 0.3 per cent is legal.
Recreational cannabis remains illegal, and anyone who cultivates without a licence faces the full force of the law,” he stated.
He said the programme is being implemented as a pilot initiative to enable Ghana to harness the medicinal and industrial benefits of cannabis while maintaining strict controls to prevent abuse and illegal use.
The NACOC Director-General cautioned the licence holders to strictly adhere to all regulatory requirements, warning that any breach of the conditions would result in the revocation of their licences and possible legal action.
“If you comply with the regulations, the opportunities are significant.
If you abuse the system, we will revoke the licence and enforce the law,” he warned.
Major General Mantey further disclosed that NACOC officials would carry out routine inspections, with or without prior notice, to ensure compliance.
He added that licence holders whose crops exceed the approved THC limit must immediately notify the Commission for the destruction of the affected plants.
The licences are valid for an initial period of three years, subject to continued compliance with the regulatory framework and renewal by the Commission.
