The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has cautioned the public that Ghana has not legalised the recreational use of cannabis, popularly known as “weed”, stressing that dealing in it remains a criminal offence.

He gave the warning while speaking at the official launch of the Medicinal Cannabis Regulatory Programme on Thursday, February 26.

“The success of this programme rests on strict enforcement, responsible business conduct, and accurate public education. I urge the media to help us send the correct message,” the Minister said.

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Mr Mohammed-Mubarak stressed that the programme is focused on economic growth and public health, not drug recreation.

“This is about job creation, medicine, and revenue, not about recreational use of drugs. Ghana is not legalising weed. And I repeat, we are not legalising weed,” he stated.

According to him, the government’s aim is to build a competitive, locally controlled cannabis industry for industrial and therapeutic purposes only.

“We are creating a world-class Ghanaian-controlled industrial herb and therapeutic cannabis sector that will compete with the likes of Canada, the United States of America, and Germany, while protecting public health and national security,” he added.

The Interior Minister explained that Parliament has approved the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2512), which outlines the fees and charges linked to the cannabis licensing programme.

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He further noted that the Narcotics Control Commission, under the supervision of the Ministry of the Interior, has put in place the necessary protocols to ensure the full implementation of the licensing regime.

Mr Muntaka used the occasion to encourage Ghanaian entrepreneurs and investors with genuine interest in the sector to apply.

He said applications would be assessed within the legal framework to ensure transparency, compliance and national interest.

He again urged the media and the public to avoid misinformation, stressing that the medicinal cannabis programme should not be confused with the illegal use or trade of “weed”.