Interior Minister Muntaka Declares Cannabis Regulatory Programme Open

On February 26, 2026, Ghana's Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, officially declared the Cannabis Regulatory Programme open at a press briefing in Accra — a historic turning point for Ghana's agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors.

"This initiative is not about legalising recreational wee but about building a world-class, Ghanaian-led industrial hemp and therapeutic cannabis sector that generates revenue, creates jobs, and positions Ghana as a continental leader."

What Was Announced

All 11 licence categories under Legislative Instrument 2475 (2023) are now open at portal.ncc.gov.gh. The programme covers cultivation, processing, research, transportation, export, and retail of cannabis with THC of 0.3% or below.

What Is Now Legal

• Industrial hemp cultivation for fibre, seeds, and biomass
• CBD extraction and processing for therapeutic products
• Research and development into cannabinoid-based medicines
• Export of licensed hemp products to international markets
• Hemp-based food products including hemp seed oil and protein

Recreational cannabis with high THC content remains a criminal offence. The new regulations do not decriminalise recreational use.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted through portal.ncc.gov.gh. Required documents: national ID, medical certificate, police clearance, business registration, and proof of land access. Individuals must be 18+. Companies must maintain minimum 50% Ghanaian ownership. No agent or intermediary is authorised.

Read the official Ministry of Interior press release