New Patriotic Party stalwart, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko has urged Ghanaians to start a conversation on the economic value of marijuana.

The close confidante and cousin of President Akufo-Addo said Ghana must not be shy in having a national debate about whether or not to cash in on the marijuana economy.

The Danquah Institute founder called for a 'clean' debate on marijuana as country after country decriminalises the use of the herb for medicinal purposes.


Using a recent report by Forbes about the Church of England’s investment foray into the marijuana business with its $10.5 billion Fund as a fillip, Mr Otchere-Darko asked: “Are we going to have a debate (constructive and mature kind) about Ghana cashing in on the new legitimate cannabis trade for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, etc?”

In the view of Mr Asare Otchere-Darko, Ghana must have “a clean debate on the merits and demerits of Ghana being part of this economy”.


The Marijuana Business Daily, for instance, has projected that the U.S cannabis industry could pump nearly $80 billion on an annual basis into the nation’s economy by 2022.


Also, the daily said estimates published in the newly-released Marijuana Business Factbook show the total economic impact of legal marijuana sales increased from $20 billion – $23 billion in 2017 to $63 billion – $77 billion by 2022 – a 223% increase.