NACOC Orders Mandatory Registration of Entities Dealing in Controlled Substances and Equipment

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has directed all persons, businesses, institutions, and organizations engaged in the supply chain of precursor chemicals, psychotropic substances, and controlled equipment to register with the Commission by July 31, 2026, in line with the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019).

The directive, announced in official notices, underscores NACOC’s nationwide initiative to strengthen oversight and ensure lawful compliance in the handling of substances and equipment that could be diverted for illicit drug manufacture.

According to the Commission, the registration requirement applies to operators involved in importation, exportation, manufacture, distribution, wholesale, retail, sale, storage, transportation, brokerage, laboratory use, research, industrial application, and educational institutions.

NACOC emphasized that operating without the requisite license or authorization constitutes a violation of the law and may attract administrative, civil, or criminal sanctions. The Commission listed controlled equipment subject to regulation, including encapsulating machines, tableting machines, rotary evaporators, high-capacity laboratory glassware, reaction vessels, pill counters, mixers, and other designated apparatus.

Officials explained that registration is critical to:

• Promote lawful use of precursor chemicals and controlled equipment.
• Prevent diversion into illicit drug production.
• Enhance national security and safeguard public safety.
• Ensure compliance with Ghana’s legislation and international obligations.

The Commission has urged affected entities to contact its offices immediately to commence or regularize registration. NACOC further reminded existing operators to renew their licenses to remain valid and current.

The notices reaffirm NACOC’s role as Ghana’s lead agency in regulating controlled substances and equipment, with the Commission stressing that compliance is not optional but a legal obligation designed to protect the country’s health and security.