A National Communications Member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Kwesi Mensah has called on government to learn from countries that have legalised the use of cannabis and have made income out of, so that the legalisation of cannabis (weed) can be made possible in Ghana.
The call came following reports that the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) made what it says is the biggest narcotics bust in the country’s history with the interception of 5,851 compressed slabs of what is suspected to be cannabis at the Tema Port.
The illicit drug, which was reported to have an estimated street value of £29.2 million, was concealed in boxes of yams, ready to be shipped to the United Kingdom (UK).
Speaking on Atinka TV’s Flagship Morning show, Ghana Nie, Mr Mensah noted that although the usage of such drugs is being abused by the youth, individuals are also making huge monies out of it instead of the government.
Meanwhile, he was of the belief that government can put in place systems and structures to regulate the use of cannabis to deter the youth from abusing it, and to also regulate those who grow it as well.
“The consequences it brings on our youth is bad. But people hide and still use it for all sort of things. How many Ghanaians are in this act and export it without being busted. Meanwhile, we learnt the ones that are grown in Ghana is one of the best, increasing the demand from foreigners. It is time for us to put in place structures and systems to regulate it for the government to benefit from it,” he said.
On the same issue, a National Communications Team Member (NPP), Nana Kwasi Poku Bosompim, also recommended that government take a holistic approach to legalise the use of Cannabis.
He also suggested that people who are caught smoking weed are sent to rehabilitation centres instead of being sent to jail for years.
“We should look at how it will benefit the whole country. It can even be legalised under the 1D1F policy, so that government will gain income out of it,” he said.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
