NACOC Intensifies Campaign Against Illicit Drugs, Encourages Legal Cannabis Licensing
Story: Maurice Otoo
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has intensified its public education campaign on illicit drugs while encouraging Ghanaians to take advantage of the government’s legal framework for the cultivation of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes.
Speaking as part of the campaign on Kessben Maakye today, NACOC representative Francis Poku indicated that the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, on February 26, 2026 announced that individuals and organisations with the capacity to venture into cannabis cultivation for approved purposes are free to apply for licences.
According to him, any Ghanaian who is 18 years and above and of sound mind is eligible to apply under the country’s regulated cannabis programme.
Mr. Poku explained that the licensing regime covers several areas of the cannabis value chain, including cultivation, storage, transportation, importation and exportation of the plant strictly for medicinal and industrial use.
He assured that NACOC will ensure the protection of citizens and investors who operate within the legal framework of the programme.
Mr. Poku noted that several countries, including Malawi and Morocco, have already adopted similar initiatives, using regulated cannabis production to create employment opportunities and boost their economies.
He added that the Commission is collaborating with key institutions to ensure effective implementation of the programme. These include the Food and Drugs Authority, the Ghana Standards Authority, and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Mr. Poku therefore urged all interested individuals and businesses to visit the government’s official portal, Ghana Government Services Portal, via www.gov.gh� to access detailed information and complete the required application processes.
