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NACOC to begin licensing for medicinal, industrial cannabis cultivation
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has announced that it will soon begin issuing licences for the cultivation of cannabis strictly for medicinal and industrial purposes in Ghana.
In a press statement dated February 11, 2026, the Commission said the move follows Parliament’s approval of the regulatory and cost framework to operationalise the licensing regime.
The framework allows for the controlled cultivation, processing and use of cannabis with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content not exceeding 0.3 per cent.
NACOC explained that the licences will be granted only to qualified entities that meet strict requirements.
According to the Commission, applicants must have strong security protocols, product traceability systems, quality assurance standards, and must fully comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
It cautioned prospective applicants to deal directly and exclusively with the Commission through its Cannabis Regulations Department (CRD).
It also warned the public to avoid individuals, groups or associations claiming they can facilitate the licensing process. The Commission stressed that applicants must follow only the officially approved procedures and guidelines.
NACOC reiterated that the recreational use of cannabis remains illegal in Ghana.
It noted that the new licensing regime applies only to cannabis with THC content not exceeding 0.3 per cent and strictly for medicinal and industrial use.
The Commission said it will work closely with the Ministry of the Interior, the Ghana Standards Authority and the Food and Drugs Authority to ensure effective implementation, monitoring and enforcement of the framework.
NACOC said it remains committed to protecting public health and safety while supporting lawful innovation and industrial development in the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana Tourism Development Company, GTDC, under the leadership of Prof.Kobby Mensah has launched GTDC Campus Tourism Office at the University of Ghana.
The initiative aims to promote educational and domestic tourism by providing structured campus tour experiences showcasing key heritage sites, including the Archaeology Museum and the School of Performing Arts.
It will also offer students their first travel experience across the continent and inculcate in them love to visit Ghana’s heritage sites.
Addressing the gathering at the launch yesterday, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, described tourism as a vehicle for education and heritage preservation, stressing that the sector must inspire citizens to value and protect national culture for future generations.
The minister highlighted tourism’s connection to disciplines such as history, the arts, economics and environmental science.
The minister further noted that the private sector is the engine of tourism economy, adding that the engines require fuel, which is talents.” by investing in these young people today, you are securing the quality, the innovation and competitiveness of our own industry for tomorrow.
She added that the establishment of the office represents a deliberate investment in the intellectual capital of the country.
The GTDC boss, Prof.Kobby Mensah, said,”at GTDC, we believe that if our tourism has to be sustainable, we have to promote domestic tourism and a very big part of it is getting students to appreciate tourism and helping them to organise tours.”
He added that the University of Ghana itself is a huge heritage site which must be explored.
Prof.Kobby Mensah noted that the initiative, which is one of many to be established across the country, is a joint partnership between GTDC and University of Ghana.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof.Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, said the University is a custodian of heritage which goes beyond the structures and welcomed the establishment of the first Campus Tourism Office.
She was optimistic that the office would be put to good use to achieve the intended purpose.
The launch brought together Stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to nurturing future tourism and hospitality professionals.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Ghana has officially accepted an invitation to serve as Guest Country at Burkina Faso’s 22nd National Culture Week in Bobo-Dioulasso from April 22 to May 2, 2026.
The invitation was extended by Burkina Faso’s Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Gilbert Noël Ouédraogo, accompanied by the Ambassador of Burkina Faso to Ghana, H.E. David Kabré.
Receiving the delegation, Abla Dzifa Gomashie reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to deepening cultural diplomacy and strengthening historic ties between the two nations.
She noted that the festival will create opportunities for young creatives, expand exhibition platforms and promote commercial exchange within the creative sector.
The event will feature cultural performances, a community village and gastronomy fair, an arts market, literary engagements, and a craft and trade fair.
Ghana’s participation is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations between John Dramani Mahama and Ibrahim Traoré, while fostering collaboration within the creative ecosystems of both countries.
