The United Kingdom has been identified as the leading destination for illicit cannabis shipments originating from Ghana, according to the Global Organised Crime Index.
The report attributes the demand partly to the potency of cannabis cultivated in Ghana, saying the product has gained a market in parts of Europe and North America.
“Renowned for its potency, Ghanaian cannabis has become sought after in North American and European markets, with the UK now the primary destination for the country’s cannabis exports,” the report states.
Ghana is also described as a significant cannabis cultivation hub in Africa, with cannabis seizures making up a substantial share of drug interceptions recorded in the country.
According to the report, authorities have recorded an increase in the seizure of cannabis consignments at the Accra International Airport and in communities along Ghana’s borders. The development has been linked to growing demand for high-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabis produced locally.
“In particular, there has been a notable rise in the seizure of cannabis-laden cargo at the Accra International Airport and at border towns, driven by increasing demand for the high-THC cannabis produced in Ghana,” it states.
The report further indicates that the expansion of cannabis cultivation has been partly influenced by misunderstandings surrounding Ghana’s legal framework governing the plant’s use for medicinal and industrial purposes.
It notes that cultivation increased following the decriminalisation of cannabis for specific health and industrial applications, with some individuals allegedly misinterpreting the extent of the legal provisions.
Beyond its role in the illicit drug trade, the report highlights the economic importance of cannabis cultivation to some communities, noting that the activity serves as a source of income for certain residents.
The findings underscore the challenges Ghana faces in addressing illicit cannabis production and trafficking while implementing regulations that permit limited medicinal and industrial uses of the plant.
By: Prince Martey-Sogar.