The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has raised concerns over what he perceives as a misinterpretation of the recently passed Narcotics Control Commission Amendment Bill 2023 by the general public.
On July 12, 2023, the Parliament successfully passed the significant Narcotics Control Commission Amendment Bill 2023, which ushered in crucial changes regarding the cultivation of cannabis, particularly for industrial and medicinal purposes.
Under the amended bill, the Ministry of Interior was bestowed with the authority to issue licenses for the controlled cultivation of cannabis, thereby facilitating its utilization in various beneficial applications.
Speaker Alban Bagbin has emphasized that the law enforcement authorities must enforce the legislation rigorously and take action against those who violate the law by using cannabis for recreational purposes.
“Passage of the Bill does not connote or legalise the recreational use or smoking of cannabis therefore the House remains steadfast in its commitment to enforcing the law against the unlawful use of cannabis.
“We will continue to act in a manner that is in line with the Constitution and serves the public interest and advances our nation’s development and I want to employ all Members of Parliament and Ghanaians to share this information so as to dispel the misinformation and foster an informed dialogue on the matter.”
“I reiterate that the cultivation, manufacture, processing, distribution, sale, production, or use of narcotic plants, synthetic or semi-synthetic drugs without lawful authority remains an offence and is punishable by our laws and I, therefore, call on the law enforcement authorities to continue to investigate, prosecute and commit offenders to the sanctions of the law.”
