Ghana is working to position the Czech Republic as a key partner for foreign investment and technology transfer into its emerging cannabis industry, as sector leaders prepare for an April 2026 trade mission expected to draw participants from across Europe and North America. The Chamber of Cannabis Industry Ghana is strengthening bilateral ties ahead of the event, which aims to connect Ghanaian producers with international capital and expertise.
Dr. Mark Darko, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Cannabis Industry Ghana (Cannacham), told reporters his organization recently met with officials from the Czech Embassy in Accra to advance cooperation across the cannabis value chain. The discussions covered medicinal cannabis, industrial hemp, research, technology transfer, capacity building and investment opportunities. The April mission represents a critical moment for Ghana’s nascent cannabis sector to establish itself within global supply networks.
The Czech Republic offers several features that make it attractive as a partnership target. The country has operated a medical cannabis programme since 2013 and is implementing adult use legalization starting January 2026, allowing adults to grow up to three plants at home and possess specified quantities. Czech regulators also introduced the Psychomodulatory Substances Act in July 2025, creating a framework for low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabis products containing up to one percent THC, positioning the country as a regulatory innovator within the European Union.
Beyond its evolving legal framework, the Czech Republic has developed strong capabilities in agricultural technology, precision farming and pharmaceutical research. Dr. Darko emphasized these strengths align with Ghana’s ambitions to move beyond raw cultivation into value added processing. The chamber views Czech expertise in controlled environment agriculture, genetic optimization and quality standards as particularly valuable for helping Ghana meet international market requirements.
The trade mission scheduled for April will bring together Ghanaian private sector players, regulators and policymakers with cannabis firms from Canada, the United States, Germany, the Netherlands and other jurisdictions. Despite being hosted in Prague, Dr. Darko characterized it as having global reach. He described the event as essential networking infrastructure for Ghanaian companies seeking partnerships, investment capital and technical knowledge.
According to Dr. Darko, the chamber’s outreach to Czech industry groups pursues two objectives: attracting Czech capital and technology into Ghana’s cannabis sector, and exposing Ghanaian businesses to international best practices in cultivation, processing and medical research. He said building relationships with established European players would help Ghana avoid common pitfalls that have plagued cannabis markets elsewhere, particularly around quality control, regulatory compliance and sustainable business models.
Ghana legalized cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes through amendments to the Narcotics Control Commission Act, opening pathways for licensed cultivation and processing. The legislation permits production of cannabis with THC levels not exceeding point three percent for industrial hemp applications, while separate provisions cover medical cannabis cultivation. The Narcotics Control Commission oversees licensing, though industry participants have pressed for clearer guidance on fees, operational requirements and export procedures.
Climate represents Ghana’s most significant structural advantage in global cannabis production. Dr. Darko pointed out that cannabis can grow year round in Ghana’s tropical conditions, contrasting sharply with European and North American markets where cultivation typically requires expensive indoor facilities with artificial lighting, climate control and substantial energy inputs. This natural advantage translates into lower production costs, a compelling factor for international entrepreneurs evaluating where to establish supply operations.
The chamber expects foreign direct investment to accelerate once regulatory clarity improves. Licensing procedures remain a work in progress, with potential investors seeking definitive information about application processes, compliance standards, inspection protocols and renewal requirements. Ghana’s parliament passed the enabling legislation, but secondary regulations governing day to day operations continue evolving. This uncertainty has slowed capital deployment despite strong interest from international firms.
Dr. Darko’s strategy centers on integrating Ghana within established global value chains rather than building an isolated domestic industry. The Czech partnership exemplifies this approach. By connecting with a European Union member state that maintains strong trade relationships across the continent, Ghana positions itself to access broader European markets once its products meet required standards. The Czech Republic’s experience navigating EU pharmaceutical and agricultural regulations makes it a valuable bridge.
Beyond the Czech engagement, Ghana’s Chamber of Cannabis Industry has pursued similar partnerships with Israel, hosting a forum in September that showcased precision agriculture technologies, smart irrigation systems and genetic optimization. These efforts reflect recognition that success in global cannabis markets demands more than favorable growing conditions. Product consistency, laboratory testing infrastructure, supply chain traceability and regulatory compliance separate viable export operations from those unable to penetrate sophisticated markets.
The global cannabis industry continues expanding rapidly, with medical markets leading growth. Allied Market Research valued the sector at twenty five point seven billion dollars in 2021 and projects it will reach one hundred forty eight point nine billion dollars by 2031. Europe is expected to emerge as the largest medical cannabis market globally, with projections suggesting it could reach forty five billion dollars within five years. Ghana aims to capture a meaningful share of this growth.
Dr. Darko has consistently emphasized cannabis as an economic transformation opportunity for Ghana, comparing it favorably to cocoa. Unlike cocoa, where Ghana exports raw beans and imports expensive processed chocolate, cannabis offers opportunities for full scale industrialization within the country. Processing facilities could create value added products including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, textiles and construction materials, generating employment across multiple sectors while boosting gross domestic product.
The chamber estimates Ghana could generate approximately one billion dollars annually from cannabis if the industry develops according to projections. Dr. Darko calculated that farmers could earn at least ten thousand dollars per hectare of cannabis cultivation, substantially more than most traditional crops. These figures have energized stakeholders across Ghana’s agricultural sector, particularly in regions like Volta where favorable agro ecological conditions align with established farming expertise.
However, significant obstacles remain before Ghana realizes these ambitions. The country needs substantial investment in processing infrastructure, laboratory facilities capable of conducting required quality testing, and training programmes to build technical capacity among farmers and processors. The Chamber of Cannabis Industry has established a training centre to address skill gaps, partnering with private companies like Sky Bridge Pharmaceuticals to equip participants with cultivation and processing techniques meeting international standards.
Export market access presents another major challenge. Ghana must demonstrate its cannabis products meet stringent quality standards required by target markets. This means implementing good agricultural practices, good manufacturing practices, and establishing supply chain controls that satisfy importing country regulators. Building this infrastructure requires capital, technical expertise and time, all factors driving Ghana’s pursuit of international partnerships.
The April trade mission to Prague represents one component of a broader internationalization strategy. Ghana is simultaneously engaging multiple markets and seeking diverse partnerships to accelerate industry development. The Czech relationship offers particular value because it combines regulatory sophistication, technological capability and membership in the European Union. For Ghana’s cannabis sector, gaining credibility within European frameworks could unlock opportunities across the continent.
Beata Matusiková, Economic and Trade Counselor at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Accra, confirmed strong potential for cooperation between Czech and Ghanaian stakeholders. She emphasized knowledge exchange, investment and technical collaboration as priority areas. The embassy’s willingness to facilitate business connections suggests Czech interest in African cannabis markets extends beyond rhetoric into practical engagement.
The timing appears favorable for both sides. The Czech Republic’s cannabis sector is expanding as new regulations take effect, creating opportunities for companies to diversify supply sources and establish positions in emerging markets. Ghana offers competitive production costs and favorable growing conditions, while seeking the technology, capital and market access that Czech partners could provide. These complementary needs form the basis for mutually beneficial collaboration.
As the April trade mission approaches, attention will focus on whether discussions translate into concrete deals. Past experience across Africa shows that trade missions often generate enthusiasm but struggle to produce sustained commercial relationships. Success will depend on whether participants move beyond general interest into specific commitments around investment, technology transfer and market development. Ghana’s cannabis sector needs tangible partnerships, not just diplomatic encouragement.
For now, Dr. Darko and the Chamber of Cannabis Industry Ghana continue building international networks and preparing the groundwork for Ghana’s entry into global cannabis supply chains. The Czech Republic represents one piece of a larger puzzle, but potentially an important piece given its regulatory leadership in Central Europe and connections throughout the European Union. Whether this partnership delivers the transformation Ghana seeks will become clearer in the months and years ahead.