Source: newsthemegh.com
Ambrose Dery, the minister of interior, has taken issue with the media’s depiction of him as a “ganja master” in the wake of the passing of the Narcotics Control Commission Bill, 2023, also referred to as the “wee bill.”
Mr. Dery charged that the media was using name-calling instead of doing their job of informing the people about the importance of the law.
The Interior Minister voiced his dissatisfaction with the media during the Friday debate on the Narcotics Control Commission (Cultivation and Management of Cannabis) Regulation, 2023, saying, “My name appeared in front of one of the newspapers after the law was passed and it said, ‘Mr. Ambrose Dery, ganja master.’ Of course, that was wrong; I’m no ganja master.”
The Ministry of Interior is designated under the recently passed law to grant licenses for the cultivation of cannabis, opening doors for the plant’s many advantageous uses.
Hon. Dery congratulated Parliament on its work and underlined the significance of informing the people on the provisions of the bill.
But when section 43 was ruled to be unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, the legislation suffered a blow.
Previously, this clause gave the Minister the authority to approve cannabis growing permits in accordance with the Commission’s recommendation. This clause was eliminated by the amendment because it was unconstitutional.
Ghana hopes to explore the industrial and controlled medicinal uses of cannabis, as well as capitalize on the potential benefits of cannabis growing, with the revised law.
The government emphasizes the plant’s potential for producing fiber and seeds while envisioning controlled cultivation with a low THC level.
Even while things are looking up, not every member of Parliament is happy with the new laws.
Governs Kwame Agbodza, the minority whip, voiced his worries that the Committee of Subsidiary Legislation’s report did not sufficiently address the risks associated with cannabis use.
Mr. Agbodza drew attention to the problems associated with the population’s illicit cannabis use and posed queries on the possible effects of commercial production and growing.