Accra, Dec. 8, – Dr Mark Darko, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Cannabis Industry Ghana, says Ghana’s newly regulated cannabis sector presents a significant opportunity for the Volta Region to diversify its agriculture and attract major agro-industrial investment.
Addressing participants at the 2025 Volta Investment Summit in Ho, Dr Darko noted that recent amendments to the Narcotics Control Commission Act—through the Narcotics Control Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023—had created a legal pathway for the cultivation and processing of industrial hemp in Ghana.
He said the law, which allows licensed production of cannabis containing not more than 0.3 per cent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), positioned the country to tap into a fast-expanding global hemp market.
“This is a unique opportunity for the Volta Region to diversify its agricultural base, create new jobs, and attract substantial agro-industrial investments,” he said, adding that the region’s favourable agro-ecological conditions made it particularly suitable for large-scale industrial hemp production.
The session, facilitated by the Chamber in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), provided clarity on licensing procedures, compliance obligations, and legal safeguards needed for investors and farmers to operate within Ghana’s regulated cannabis framework.
Dr Darko stressed that a transparent regulatory system—anchored in Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2475—was essential to maintain international standards, prevent illegal diversion, and ensure that Ghanaians participate meaningfully in the emerging value chain.
He said the Volta Region was well-placed to attract investment in areas such as seed genetics, precision agriculture, fibre and textile processing, hemp-based construction materials, and medicinal extraction.
The Summit also highlighted opportunities for collaboration with the Ghana Standards Authority to certify hemp products from the region for export to markets with strict THC and quality requirements.
The Volta Investment Summit, held annually, serves as a platform to promote investment in agriculture, tourism, industry, and green-economy sectors. It convenes policymakers, private sector players, and development partners to explore new markets and drive investor interest in Volta-based enterprises.
Cannabis—commonly known as marijuana—is a herbal medication derived from the Cannabis plant species and is used globally to manage various conditions, including chronic pain, cancer-related symptoms, and certain mental-health disorders.
According to Allied Market Research, the global cannabis market was valued at US$25.7 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach US$148.9 billion by 2031.
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