By Edward Dankwah
Accra, Aug. 1, GNA – The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has presented Ghana’s first licences for the cultivation of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes to MG Adom Limited and Juliotpa Limited, marking a significant milestone in the country’s regulated cannabis industry.
The two companies successfully satisfied all legal and regulatory requirements for the cultivation of cannabis with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content not exceeding 0.3 per cent.
Presenting the licences in Accra, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, Director-General of NACOC, said the approval process was intentionally rigorous to ensure strict compliance with the Narcotics Control Commission Act and the relevant Legislative Instrument (LI).
He explained that applicants underwent an online application process, followed by detailed technical assessments involving stakeholders and relevant government agencies.
The process also included field inspections to verify the suitability of proposed cultivation sites before recommendations were submitted to the Minister for the Interior for final approval.
Major General Mantey stressed that the cultivation of cannabis with a THC content not exceeding 0.3 per cent was lawful only when undertaken under a valid licence issued by NACOC.
He cautioned that any cultivation without authorisation remained illegal, while the recreational use and cultivation of cannabis continued to be prohibited in Ghana.
The Director-General emphasised that the issuance of licences to the two companies should not be misconstrued as an open invitation for unlicensed cultivation.
He said NACOC remained committed to enforcing the law against illegal operators and would continue to grant licences only to applicants who met all statutory requirements.
According to him, individuals or organisations engaged in unauthorised cultivation or recreational cannabis production would be prosecuted.
Major General Mantey further reminded the licensed companies that their authorisation was subject to strict conditions, including compliance with approved acreage and operational guidelines.
“The licence package includes the relevant regulations, guidelines and compliance instructions, so you must operate within the scope of the permits and seek guidance from NACOC whenever necessary,” he stressed.
He said Commission officials would conduct inspections at licensed farms with or without prior notice, warning that any breach of licence conditions could result in the suspension or revocation of the permit.
Major General Mantey described the initiative as a pilot project aimed at creating employment opportunities and unlocking the medicinal and industrial potential of cannabis while maintaining robust safeguards against abuse.
He assured the companies of the Commission’s support in ensuring compliance but warned that NACOC would take swift action against any attempt to circumvent the regulations.
The Director-General said where cultivated cannabis exceeded the permitted THC threshold of 0.3 per cent, licensees would be required to notify the Commission immediately for the implementation of appropriate disposal procedures.
He reaffirmed NACOC’s determination to combat illicit drug cultivation and trafficking and said the Commission would intensify operations against illegal cannabis farms across the country.
Major General Mantey congratulated the two companies for meeting the stringent licensing requirements and urged them to maintain the highest standards of compliance throughout the three-year licence period.
He reminded them that the licences remained the property of the Commission and could be revoked in the event of non-compliance.
Madam Juliana Addo-Yobo, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Juliotpa Limited, described the acquisition of one of Ghana’s first cannabis cultivation licences as a historic achievement and a major step in advancing innovation in the country.
She said the licence opened up significant opportunities for the company, which planned to expand its operations and establish partnerships in international markets.
Madam Addo-Yobo noted that Juliotpa Limited, a wholly female-owned company, was well-positioned to deliver on its mandate and anticipated future collaborations with partners in countries including Germany and the United States.
“The industry’s growth potential is enormous, and the sky is the limit” she stressed.
She indicated that despite the substantial financial investment and rigorous regulatory processes involved, the company remained committed throughout the licensing process and successfully secured approval.
Madam Addo-Yobo said her company intended to engage in both the import and export of cannabis-related products after commencing cultivation, with a stronger focus on exports.
She added that the company planned to import cannabis seeds for cultivation because quality seeds were not readily available in Ghana, given the industry’s early stage of development.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah