Ghana News
Ghana’s Historic Move to License Medicinal & Industrial Cannabis – What It Means for the Future (Explainer)
After years of debate, strict prohibition, and cautious policy shifts, Ghana is officially opening the door to medicinal and industrial cannabis cultivation.
On February 10, 2026, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) announced that licensing for cannabis farming will begin in the coming weeks — marking one of the most significant economic and health policy shifts in Ghana’s recent history.
Here’s everything you need to know, broken down clearly:
1. What Exactly Has Been Announced?
NACOC confirmed that Ghana is now ready to begin issuing licences for the cultivation, processing, and export of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes. This does not legalize recreational cannabis use. The move follows the passage of amendments to the Narcotics Control Commission Act in late 2025, which created a regulated framework for non-recreational cannabis.

2. Ghana’s Long & Complicated History with Marijuana
- Pre-Colonial & Colonial Era: Cannabis (locally called “wee” or “Indian hemp”) was used traditionally in parts of Ghana for medicinal and spiritual purposes. British colonial authorities criminalized it in the 1920s–1930s under international drug treaties.
- Post-Independence: Under Nkrumah and subsequent governments, cannabis was heavily stigmatized and associated with “wayward youth” and reggae culture.
- 2010s Crackdown: Ghana earned a reputation for harsh anti-wee laws, with many young men imprisoned for possession.
- 2020 Turning Point: Parliament decriminalized possession of small amounts (up to 2 grams) for personal use — a quiet but major shift.
- 2023–2025: After intense lobbying by investors and health experts, Parliament passed laws allowing regulated medicinal and industrial cannabis, while maintaining strict penalties for recreational use and illegal trafficking.
Ghana is now joining countries like Lesotho, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Morocco, and Rwanda in Africa’s growing medicinal cannabis economy.
3. Why Is Ghana Doing This Now?

- Economic Diversification: The government sees medicinal cannabis as a high-value cash crop that can generate foreign exchange, create jobs (especially for youth), and reduce over-reliance on cocoa and gold.
- Medicinal Value: Cannabis derivatives are increasingly used globally for pain management, epilepsy, cancer symptoms, PTSD, and insomnia.
- Industrial Uses: Hemp can be used for textiles, biodegradable plastics, construction materials, and animal feed.
- Global Market Boom: The international medicinal cannabis market is projected to exceed $50 billion by 2028.
4. What Happens Next?
- NACOC will begin accepting licence applications from qualified companies and farmers.
- Strict regulations will govern seed-to-sale tracking, security, quality control, and export standards.
- Only licensed entities will be allowed to grow cannabis — illegal cultivation remains a serious criminal offence.
5. Potential Impact on Ghana
Positive: Thousands of jobs, foreign investment, export revenue, and advancement in pharmaceutical research.
Challenges: Risk of diversion into illegal markets, environmental concerns, community resistance in some areas, and the need for strong regulatory enforcement.
This move represents a bold attempt by Ghana to turn a once-demonized plant into a regulated economic asset while protecting public health and national security.
Ghana News
Ex-President Akufo-Addo and President Mahama Exchange Pleasantries on Easter
Kwahu, Ghana – Former President Nana Akufo-Addo paid a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama on Holy Saturday, April 4, 2026, while both leaders were in the Kwahu enclave for the annual Easter celebrations.
The meeting took place as President Mahama participated in activities linked to the Kwahu Business Forum, a major event held alongside the Easter festivities.
Akufo-Addo, who has maintained a nearly two-decade tradition of spending Easter in Kwahu, described the visit as a cordial engagement during the sacred period.
In a Facebook post, the former president wrote: “On the Holy Saturday of Easter, while in Kwahu where for almost two decades I have consecutively visited during the sacred period of Easter, I called on the President of the Republic, H. E. John Dramani Mahama who is also in Kwahu.”
The encounter highlights a moment of peaceful political civility between the current and immediate past leaders of Ghana amid the festive season. No further details about the substance of their discussion were made public.
The visit comes at a time when both leaders are actively involved in national and regional development conversations, with Mahama using the Kwahu platform to engage stakeholders on economic matters.
Ghana News
Mahama Calls Christ’s Birthplace an ‘Epicentre of War’, New Airport Concourse Planned and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today
We have curated the most relevant and impactful stories from Ghana to keep you informed.
‘It’s Painful Christ’s Birthplace Now an Epicentre of War’ – President Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has described the ongoing violence in the Middle East as a “painful irony,” noting that the birthplace of Christianity and the land where Christ preached love, forgiveness, and peace has become a major centre of conflict. In his Easter message delivered at Black Star Square on April 3, 2026, Mahama said the suffering in the Holy Land cannot be ignored during the season of Easter. He extended Ghana’s thoughts and prayers to the people of Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iran, and the wider Middle East region, urging world leaders to embrace restraint, dialogue, and respect for human dignity.
Read the full story here
Gov’t to Construct New Concourse at Accra International Airport to Ease Congestion
The Ghana Airports Company Limited will begin construction this month on an ultra-modern concourse linking Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at Kotoka International Airport. The project aims to eliminate current operational bottlenecks, enable seamless passenger transfers, and significantly improve hub efficiency. Key features include five additional passenger boarding bridges, five passenger holding areas, bi-directional travelators, new escalators and elevators, a VIP lounge, four business lounges, and four retail and duty-free pods. The expansion forms part of a broader modernisation drive to provide world-class facilities and strengthen Ghana’s position as a competitive aviation hub in West Africa.
Read the full story here
Gov’t Procures Over 24,000 Medical Equipment to Support Free Primary Healthcare Rollout
The Ghanaian government has acquired 24,534 pieces of medical equipment to strengthen health facilities ahead of the nationwide rollout of its free primary healthcare policy. The consignment, inspected by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, includes baby incubators, radiant warmers, oxygen concentrators, X-ray machines, ultrasound devices, laboratory analysers, vital signs monitors, glucometers, patient monitors, infusion devices, delivery beds, and hospital beds. The equipment will be distributed across government hospitals to improve diagnostics, newborn care, and overall service delivery at the primary level.
Read the full story here
Ghana to Manufacture First Vaccine with Support from Indonesia
Ghana is set to begin local production of its first vaccine with technical and partnership support from the Indonesian government. Honorary Consul of Indonesia to Ghana, Paskal A B Rois, confirmed that a high-level delegation from Ghana’s National Vaccine Institute, Food and Drugs Authority, and GIZ visited Indonesia late last year to finalise arrangements. Once operational, Ghana will become the third African country — after Senegal and South Africa — to manufacture vaccines domestically. The initiative is expected to enhance the country’s health security and reduce dependence on imported vaccines.
Read the full story here
No Business Thrives Without Trust in Justice System — Chief Justice
Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has emphasised that trust in the judicial system is essential for business growth and investor confidence in Ghana. Speaking at the Kwahu Business Forum on April 4, 2026, he stated that contracts must be honoured, property protected, and disputes resolved fairly and predictably for any economy to flourish. The Chief Justice announced that the judiciary is repositioning itself to become an active partner in creating a business-friendly environment anchored in the rule of law. He warned that delays and uncertainty in the justice system carry real economic costs by discouraging investment.
Read the full story here
Ghana News
Ghana President Convenes Emergency Cabinet Meeting to Cushion Ghanaians from Soaring Fuel Prices
President John Dramani Mahama has convened an emergency cabinet meeting to address the sharp rise in fuel prices caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly the escalation involving Iran.
Speaking on Saturday, April 4, 2026, during the second day of the Kwahu Business Forum, President Mahama stated that the meeting will focus on practical interventions to ease the burden on citizens.
He specifically mentioned the possibility of adjustments in fuel margins and other components of the price build-up to help keep prices relatively stable while hoping for de-escalation of the conflict.
“I have called for this emergency cabinet meeting to decide on specific measures we can take to cushion petroleum prices,” Mahama said. “There are adjustments we can make, particularly in the margins, to help maintain relatively stable prices as we pray for the war to cease.”
The President assured Ghanaians that the government remains committed to protecting the economy from external shocks and has taken steps to build resilience.
“I can confidently tell you that the economy will not collapse because of the war in Iran,” he stated.
Mahama also commended transport unions for showing restraint by not immediately increasing lorry fares despite the fuel price surge.
He urged them to continue exercising patience as the government works on relief measures. Fuel prices rose significantly effective April 1, 2026, with petrol increasing to approximately GH¢13.30 per liter (a 15% hike) and diesel to GH¢17.10 per liter (a 19% hike) for the first half of April.
The government is reviewing options including reductions in margins and levies to provide relief to consumers.
This latest development highlights the direct link between global geopolitical tensions and domestic living costs in Ghana, as the government balances immediate relief with longer-term economic stability.
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