The Central Regional Chapter of the Rastafarian Council of Ghana, known as Rastafarian Conscious Youth, is encouraging unemployed Ghanaian youth to explore opportunities in the cultivation of marijuana as a viable source of income.
The group expressed its gratitude towards President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Parliamentarians, the Interior Ministry, and all other stakeholders involved in passing the Narcotics Control Commission Bill, 2023. This significant legislation empowers the Ministry of the Interior to issue licenses for cannabis cultivation, opening doors to various beneficial applications of this versatile plant.
Jah Eddy Bongo, the President of the Rastafarian Conscious Youth, highlighted their long-standing advocacy for the legalization of cannabis cultivation. Speaking on Accra-based television station, GhOne, Jah Eddy Bongo called upon the government and the Narcotics Control Authority to simplify the process of obtaining licenses for marijuana farming, making it more accessible to the youth.
He further urged the government to consider incorporating marijuana cultivation into its flagship program, the “One District One Factory” initiative. This strategic move, he argued, would not only promote employment opportunities but also tap into the economic potential of the cannabis industry.
To address environmental concerns, Jah Eddy Bongo suggested utilizing lands previously damaged by illegal mining activities, known as Galamsey, for cultivating marijuana. This approach could bring new life to these areas and help sustainably develop the cannabis sector.
Dispelling misconceptions, Jah Eddy Bongo emphasized the plant’s medicinal benefits. He cited various health conditions that marijuana has been known to alleviate, including asthma, hypertension, stroke, and infertility. However, he stressed the importance of responsible use and cautioned against abuse.