Recreational cannabis use remains illegal- Muntaka declares at medicinal cannabis programme launch

Ghana has formally launched a regulated programme for the cultivation and use of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes, with officials stressing strict controls over the emerging sector.

At a ceremony in Accra on 26 February 2026, the Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, described the initiative as a turning point in the country’s approach to drug regulation and economic opportunity.

He said the programme is anchored in recent legislation, including amendments to the country’s narcotics laws and new regulations governing cannabis cultivation and management.

Despite the rollout, the minister made clear that recreational use remains illegal under existing law.

A key feature of the new framework is a requirement for investors to secure buyers before they are granted licences.

“We won’t issue licences without a confirmed off-taker,” he said, explaining that the measure is designed to prevent diversion into illegal markets.

Authorities say the rule will apply across the entire value chain, from cultivation to export, and is expected to limit participation to operators with established commercial arrangements.

The licensing system itself is segmented, with separate approvals required for activities such as growing, processing, transporting and exporting cannabis products.

The government also confirmed that Ghana does not yet produce the low-THC cannabis seeds required under the programme. These will have to be imported under licence, although research institutions are being encouraged to develop local alternatives.

Officials say compliance will be monitored through a combination of surveillance measures, including GPS tracking, drone oversight and inspections.

Security agencies, including the police and immigration authorities, are expected to support enforcement.

The minister warned that failure to properly regulate the sector could have international consequences.

“If we get it wrong, Ghana could easily be blacklisted,” he said, adding that public safety would take priority over revenue generation.

Under the rules, licensed operations must not be located close to schools or residential areas, and operators will be required to submit regular reports.

The government says it remains open to investors, but insists that strict adherence to the law will underpin the programme’s success.