The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has directed all individuals, businesses and institutions involved in the handling of precursor chemicals, psychotropic substances and controlled equipment to register with the Commission or face possible legal sanctions.
The directive forms part of a nationwide regulatory exercise aimed at tightening oversight of chemicals and equipment that could be diverted into the illegal manufacture of narcotic drugs.
In a public notice, NACOC said the requirement is backed by the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), which mandates operators in the sector to obtain the appropriate licences and authorisations before commencing or continuing their activities.
The commission said the registration exercise covers the entire supply chain, including importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters, brokers, laboratories, research institutions, industries and educational institutions dealing in the regulated substances and equipment.
All unregistered operators have been given until July 31, 2026, to complete the registration process.
NACOC also reminded already registered operators to ensure their licences remain valid and are renewed in accordance with the law.
According to the commission, the exercise is intended to prevent precursor chemicals and controlled equipment from being diverted into illicit drug production while strengthening national security and public safety.
It said registration would also help ensure compliance with Ghana’s legal framework and international obligations on narcotics control.
The commission warned that any person or entity operating without the required registration or licence would be in breach of the law and could face administrative, civil or criminal penalties under Act 1019.
NACOC further clarified that a wide range of specialised equipment, including encapsulating machines, tableting machines, rotary evaporators, reaction vessels, high-capacity laboratory glassware, mixers, condensers and pill-counting machines, falls under its regulatory framework and may require registration.
The commission has urged all affected businesses and institutions to begin the registration process immediately to avoid sanctions and ensure full compliance with the law.
