The Narcotics Control Commission has organized a 2-day training of Law Enforcement Agencies, Civil Society and some stakeholders on Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (ACT 1019) which provides for offences related to narcotic drugs and plants cultivated for narcotic purposes and for related matters at La palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.
This capacity building and advocacy workshop is to strengthen and promote the understanding of Act 1019, foster cooperation among all parties involved in the fight against organized crime and promote knowledge and intelligence sharing.
The Chief Director of the Ministry of the Interior, Mrs Adelaide Anno-Kumi, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of the sector Minister said the passage of Act 1019 by Parliament on 20 March, 2020 and assented to by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on 11 May 2020 is a testament of the commitment of Government in dealing comprehensively with the drug menace in the country.
According to her, the passage of Act 1019 which replaced the Narcotics Drugs (Control, Enforcement and Sanctions) Law, 1990 (PNDC Law 236) has enhanced the mandate and authority of Narcotics Control Commission and that the Commission has a huge task to perform in the interest of Ghana.
She explained that Act 1019 permits the use of cannabis among other narcotics plants under sections 39-42. She however mentioned that a special permission has been made under section 43 on cultivation and use of Cannabis for medicinal purposes.
Mrs Anno-Kumi emphasized that section 43 of Act 1019, in no way legalises the cultivation or use of cannabis in Ghana and must be noted as such. “Despite sections 39 to 42, the Minister, on recommendation of the Commission, may grant a license for the cultivation of cannabis which has not more than 0.3% THC content on dry weight basis for industrial purposes for obtaining fibre or seed or for medicinal purposes,” she stated.
The Chief Director urged the Commission which is the lead and coordinating agency to sensitize stakeholders about Act 1019 so that they can be educated on the content of the Act and its implementation.
