Accra, Ghana — In a major step forward for the burgeoning cannabis and hemp industry, the newly established **Cannabis Research Institute (CRI)** has opened registration for the “Ghana Cannabis Land Bank Registry.” This initiative invites landowners across the country to register their farmland for potential use in cannabis and hemp research, as well as demonstration farming.
The CRI was officially launched in November 2023 and aims to position Ghana as a leader in cannabis research and sustainable farming in West Africa. The project is being developed in collaboration with the **Cooperative Executive Management Team (CEMT)**, whose Africa office is located in Tema, Ghana. Over the past five years, CEMT has been working with government authorities to ensure that Ghanaian farmers gain access to this emerging industry, following the passing of the Cannabis Legislation Act in July 2023.
With the licensing process expected to begin before the end of the year, the Cannabis Land Bank Registry is gathering interest from landowners who want to participate in the industry. Registered lands will be placed on a list of approved sites for future cannabis cultivation under the guidance of the CRI, with support from both local and international investors and experts.
Landowners who wish to register must ensure that their land is properly registered with the Ghana Lands Commission, as only verified properties will be considered. The registry is not open to agents, brokers, or unregistered lands, including stool lands or family-owned land that has not been legally registered in accordance with the 2022 Cannabis Legislation Act.
By joining the registry, landowners will have the opportunity to partner with CRI in the Ghana CCAN Program, a collaborative effort to boost cannabis farming in Ghana. This program will offer local farmers access to expertise, investment, and market opportunities in the cannabis and hemp sectors.
Additionally, interested farmers can explore opportunities in the **One Hectare Sustainable Farm Project Pilot Program**, which aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices while integrating cannabis cultivation.
### How to Register
Landowners are invited to fill out an online form, providing details such as their land registration status, farm size, location, and current agricultural activities. The form also includes options for specifying the amount of land intended for cannabis cultivation, ranging from small plots (0-1 acre) to larger tracts of over 100 acres.
As Ghana prepares to roll out its cannabis licensing process, this registry marks a critical step in formalizing the industry and ensuring that local farmers are at the forefront of this new agricultural opportunity. With the combined efforts of the CRI, CEMT, and the government, the future of cannabis cultivation in Ghana looks promising.
