The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has issued a strong warning to the public, emphasizing that no individual, group, or organization has been authorized to facilitate the acquisition of cannabis licences in Ghana.
In a press statement signed by Francis Opoku Amoah, Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations, NACOC stated, “It has not authorised, accredited, or certified any individual, group, or association to facilitate, broker, or secure the acquisition or issuance of cannabis licences.”
The Commission cautioned prospective applicants against making payments to persons claiming to act as agents, intermediaries, or consultants in the licensing process.
“All licensing processes will be conducted only by the Commission, not through third parties,” the statement read.
NACOC further clarified that official fees and charges related to cannabis licensing will be made public only after approval by Parliament.
The Commission urged the public to remain patient while Parliament finalizes the procedures and passes the relevant bill.
Providing legal context, the statement referenced Section 43 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), as amended by Act 1100 in 2023.
It noted that the law empowers the Minister for the Interior to grant licences for the cultivation of cannabis with a THC content not exceeding 0.3% on a dry weight basis, strictly for industrial (fibre or seed) or medicinal purposes.
“It does not authorise recreational use,” NACOC emphasized.
The Commission assured the public that it has implemented policies under the Narcotics Control Commission (Cultivation and Management of Cannabis) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2475) to ensure a transparent and fair regulatory regime.
However, it warned that until the licensing framework is finalized, “the possession, use, cultivation, sale, and trafficking of cannabis and other narcotic drugs remain prohibited by law, except as expressly permitted under Act 1019.”
