Is Ghana on the verge of decriminalising all illegal drug use?

By Avinash Tharoor

The Ghanaian government could be set to decriminalise the personal possession and use of all illegal drugs in a groundbreaking move for drug policy in the region.

The Narcotics Commission Bill, which has already passed the Second Reading stage in the Ghanaian Parliament, will be voted on in December when parliamentarians reconvene. Civil society groups are confident that the bill will pass without resistance or significant amendments.

Under the prospective legislation, people will not face criminal sanctions for possessing drugs for personal use; however, civil penalties, such as a fine, will still be imposed. If police find that someone is using drugs and is also exhibiting traits of problematic use, they will be referred for a medical assessment, and subsequently may be required to undergo mandatory “treatment”.

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