By Savannah Pokuaah Duah
Deputy Director General (Enforcement, Control & Elimination) of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Alexander Twum-Barimah, has firmly stated that no licenses have been issued for the cultivation of cannabis in Ghana, and anyone currently planting cannabis is engaging in an illegal activity and will face the full force of the law.
In an interview on GTV’s Breakfast Show on Thursday, June 10, 2025, discussing efforts to combat narcotics in Ghana, Twum-Barimah addressed the issue of illegal cannabis cultivation.
Twum-Barimah stated in clear language that cultivating cannabis without a license is illegal and anyone found guilty should face the law, stating that, “As it stands now, nobody has been licensed to cultivate cannabis. So, anybody planting cannabis anywhere is engaging in an illegal activity. If you’re caught, you’ll face the full force of the law.”
He was firm and agreed to the fact that Ganja farmers are breaking the law, adding that, “So whichever region you find yourself to be planting cannabis today, you are conducting or engaging in an illegal act. And once you are caught, you will face the law fully.”
Addressing the question of whether Ghana would permit the use of cannabis, the deputy said,” I know about the positive aspects of cannabis, particularly its medicinal uses. I’ve witnessed its benefits, such as in cancer treatment. Medicinal professionals can use cannabis to create treatments that can help alleviate symptoms. However, I understand that recreational use is a different matter.
Twum-Barimah’s statement serves as a strong warning to those involved in illegal cannabis cultivation, emphasizing that NACOC will enforce the law and prosecute offenders.
