NACOC Partners with GSA to Fast-Track Cannabis Regulation

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has engaged with the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to expedite testing processes as the Commission prepares to regulate cannabis (0.3% THC) for medical and industrial purposes.

The Director-General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, paid a courtesy call on the Director-General of the GSA in Accra.

He urged the management of the GSA to take steps to facilitate and accelerate the testing and analysis of submitted samples.

According to him, this will enable the Commission to serve its clients more efficiently by issuing permits for the cultivation of cannabis seeds for industrial and therapeutic use.

“Our collaboration with the GSA will be anchored on the agribusiness platform, which will help expedite the process of determining, approving, or rejecting seedlings that do not conform to the required standards,” he said.

Brig. Gen. Mantey added that NACOC was committed to maintaining a positive working relationship with the GSA, noting that such cooperation would significantly enhance both institutions’ internally generated funds.

“The agribusiness framework, as established by law, when implemented, will empower NACOC to coordinate, monitor, and charge fees on cannabis regulations, yet to be passed by Parliament and contribute to the country’s economic growth,” he noted.

The Director-General of the GSA, Professor George Adjei, commended NACOC’s management for its dedication to securing Ghana’s borders and keeping them free from the influx of narcotic drugs.

He assured NACOC of his office’s readiness to provide all necessary assistance once the cannabis-related charges are approved by Parliament.

Professor Adjei also emphasised the importance of collaboration between the two agencies to develop a national standard practice policy document that will serve as a baseline guideline for future applicants.

Judith Twumwaa, ISD