The Ghanaian Narcotics Control Commission (NCC) has officially opened applications for licences to cultivate and manage cannabis for industrial and medicinal purposes in Ghana.
The move follows the launch of the country’s national cannabis licensing regime on 26 February 2026 by the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commission said the initiative marks a major step in implementing Section 43 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), as amended by Legislative Instrument 2475.
According to the NCC, the programme aims to unlock the economic and health potential of cannabis while maintaining strict regulatory oversight.
Industrial and Medicinal Cultivation
The Commission stressed that licences will only apply to cannabis with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of not more than 0.3%, in line with Ghanaian law.
Under the framework, cannabis cultivation will be limited to industrial and medicinal applications. Industrial uses include the production of fibres and seeds, while medicinal uses focus on the development of pharmaceutical and health-related products.
Available Licence Categories
The NCC said the regulatory framework includes 11 categories of licences for individuals and companies interested in participating in the sector.
These include:
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Cultivation
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Processing
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Breeding
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Research and development
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Laboratory testing
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Storage
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Transportation
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Import
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Export
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Sales and distribution
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Advertising and promotion
The Commission described the framework as a comprehensive regulatory structure designed to support a safe and transparent cannabis industry in Ghana.
Application Process
Applications will be submitted online through the Commission’s official website.
Prospective applicants must select a licence category, complete the required forms and upload supporting documentation.
Payments for the non-refundable application fee can be made using Visa cards, mobile money, or payment vouchers from NIB Bank branches nationwide.
The NCC said the new licensing regime balances economic opportunity with public safety.
“The Commission is dedicated to building a fair, transparent, robust and accountable cannabis industry,” the statement said. It added that the initiative is intended to support lawful innovation while protecting public health and safety.
The Commission further urged investors, researchers and businesses to explore opportunities within the regulated cannabis sector as Ghana moves to develop a new industrial and medicinal market.
