Eastern region: Six suspects have been arrested for allegedly cultivating cannabis in two communities in the Eastern Region following a police operation that led to the destruction of about 10 acres of cannabis farms. The suspects, aged between 25 and 32, are currently in police custody assisting with investigations and are expected to be prosecuted.
According to Ghana Web, the cannabis plantations were located at Nsuta Aperade in the Okere District and Nsuta Hasi in the Yilo Krobo Municipality. Accessing the farms reportedly required navigating through forests, farmlands, rivers, and steep slopes, which investigators noted made the locations attractive for the illegal activity. Authorities discovered extensive installations on the farms, including long electrical cables and electric bulbs used to nurture cannabis seedlings before they were transplanted onto the larger plantations. The suspects had also allegedly constructed structures fitted with air conditioners and other equipment to support their operations.
Police said a tip-off led officers from the High Risk Operations Directorate to Kyerematen in the Eastern Region, where the suspects were arrested. Personnel from the Drug Law Enforcement Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department subsequently moved in to destroy and burn the cannabis farms.
Speaking after the operation, Director of the Police High Risk Operations Training Centre, Superintendent Dr. Samuel Antwi Akomeah, stressed the need to tackle cannabis cultivation at its source. He emphasized that targeting the end users might not be sufficient, and efforts should focus on those involved in the plantation of cannabis. Dr. Akomeah issued a stern warning to others engaged in the illicit trade, stating that there would be no room for escape and that the law would be enforced without mercy.
Dr. Akomeah further disclosed that preliminary investigations suggest some operators process cannabis for clients who allegedly mix it into beverages and food products for public consumption. He warned the public to be cautious about what they consume, as some products, like sobolo, biscuits, and toffee, might be adulterated with cannabis.
Police stated that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal cannabis cultivation in the region, where some residents are reportedly abandoning traditional farming activities in favor of the more lucrative trade. Under Ghana's Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), cannabis cultivation is prohibited unless conducted under a lawful license for approved industrial or medicinal purposes with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels not exceeding 0.3 percent. Offenders are liable to arrest and prosecution.