Ghana’s National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has clarified that it has not given approval for the cultivation of seeds for 14 genetically modified (GM) products in the country.
The recent approval granted by Ghana was for the commercialization of 14 novel GM products, including eight maize and six soybean products. This decision follows the release of GM cowpea in 2022.
However, the president of the peasant farmers, Wepia Addo Awal Adugwala, criticized the adoption of GMO technology, stating that GMO crops are not the solution to the country’s food insecurity challenges. He expressed concerns about neglecting the resistance of key stakeholders against the passage of the Plant Variety Protection Act, which he believes paved the way for the commercialization of GMO products controlled by multinational seed companies.
Adugwala emphasized that Ghanaian farmers have been able to produce sufficient food using farmer-saved seeds and new seed varieties released by local breeders. Despite successful food production in 2023, farmers are now facing challenges in finding markets, leading to a reliance on imports for rice and maize markets.
The Chief Executive Officer of NBA, Eric Amaning Okoree, clarified that the 14 approved GM products are not for cultivation but for purposes of food, feed, or processing. He highlighted the regulatory procedures laid down by the NBA in accordance with the Biosafety Act, ensuring thorough evaluation and risk assessment before granting approval.
Okoree reassured Ghanaians of the safety of the approved GM products, emphasizing that they are intended for direct consumption or processing, not cultivation. He pointed out that the approval process followed international best practices and involved a comprehensive risk assessment by the NBA Technical Advisory Committee.
The NBA CEO dismissed concerns about the safety and impact of GM seeds, citing approvals by other countries like Argentina, Australia, and the USA. He stressed the need for Ghanaians to embrace emerging plant breeding technologies for sustained crop improvement and food security, highlighting the benefits for farmers.
In conclusion, Okoree affirmed the NBA’s commitment to implementing the Biosafety Act 2011 (Act 831) to safeguard the environment and health of Ghanaians. The NBA will continue to monitor for unapproved GMOs in the country and oversee the performance of approved GMOs to ensure safety and compliance.
