The Narcotics Control Commission (NCC) has officially opened applications for licences to cultivate and manage industrial and medicinal cannabis in Ghana following the launch of a new national licensing regime.
The framework was formally introduced on February 26, 2026, by the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, in accordance with Section 43 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), as amended, and Legislative Instrument 2475.
In a statement dated March 11, 2026, the Commission described the move as a strategic step toward harnessing the economic and medical potential of cannabis while maintaining strict regulatory standards. Under the new regime, licences will only apply to cannabis containing no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis, with focus on industrial applications such as fibre and seed production, as well as medicinal and pharmaceutical uses.
The Commission announced eleven licence categories available to individuals and corporate entities, covering activities such as cultivation, processing, breeding, research and development, laboratory testing, storage, transportation, and import and export. According to the NCC, the framework is intended to provide regulatory clarity for investors while ensuring compliance with national laws and public health safeguards.
Regarding the application process, the Commission indicated that a streamlined digital system has been introduced to make the regime more accessible. Prospective applicants are required to apply through the NCC’s official online portal by selecting the appropriate licence category, completing the application form, uploading required documents, and paying a non-refundable application fee through Visa card, mobile money, or a payment voucher available at NIB Bank branches nationwide.
Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations at the Commission, Francis Opoku Amoah, said the NCC is committed to building a fair, transparent, and accountable cannabis industry that protects public health and safety while promoting lawful innovation. He encouraged interested investors to take advantage of the opportunity, adding that further enquiries can be directed to the Commission’s Public Relations Department through its hotline, email, or official website.
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