Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has urged Ghanaians to distinguish between legally approved industrial cannabis cultivation and the illegal production of narcotic substances.
According to the minister, the government has intensified public education on Ghana’s drug laws to address misconceptions surrounding cannabis farming and ensure citizens understand the legal requirements governing the sector.
Speaking before Parliament’s Public Assurance Committee, Mr Muntaka dismissed suggestions that some farmers are unaware of the regulations on cannabis cultivation.
“We need to educate our people to understand the difference between industrial cannabis, which is regulated and approved under the law, and illegal narcotic cultivation, which remains a criminal activity,” he said.
Mr Muntaka explained that nationwide public sensitisation programmes have been rolled out to educate citizens on what is legally permitted and what constitutes a criminal offence under Ghana’s narcotics laws.
He disclosed that the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) conducted more than 2,100 community engagement programmes in 2025, reaching over 500,000 students as part of efforts to raise awareness about drug-related issues.
The minister added that NACOC has also expanded its public education campaigns through media engagements, radio discussions, and other awareness initiatives.
According to him, these efforts include activities organised to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, aimed at educating the public on the dangers of illegal drug production, trafficking, and substance abuse.
Mr Muntaka stressed that the legal framework permitting industrial cannabis cultivation should not be interpreted as authorisation for the unlawful production, possession, or trafficking of narcotic substances.
He maintained that while the government remains committed to regulating licensed industrial cannabis production, it will continue to strengthen enforcement against illegal drug-related activities across the country.
