An Exploratory Analysis of the Role of Christian Faith-Based Leaders on Ghana's Cannabis Reform: Balancing Public Health,Harm Reduction,and Justice

Abstract

Over the decades, cannabis use has increased significantly in Ghana, especially among the youth. Historically, a simple charge of marijuana possession in Ghana was illegal and could result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years. Recently, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) enacted drug reforms to balance criminal enforcement and public health, minimizing harm to users and their broader communities. Using semi-structured interviews, this article investigates the attitudes of faith-based leaders who comprise a key Civil Society Organization in Ghana to examine their general attitudes, levels of support, identified concerns, and their role in successfully adopting the drug reform act. Our findings suggest that faith-based leaders are committed to playing a role in educating their communities on drug reform and they view education and community outreach as essential to minimize harm and guide moral responses to cannabis use. Participants also believe that the focus on public health initiatives—such as the establishment of rehabilitation centers while minimizing criminal enforcement—were beneficial. While they expressed skepticism about NACOC's proposed alternative crops being sufficient substitutes in terms of revenue generation for farmers, this concern was viewed as less central than their educational and moral leadership in shaping community responses to reform.