Controversy Erupts as Ghana Denies Approval for Cultivation of 14 GM Seeds
Highlights
- Ghana’s National Biosafety Authority clarifies it has not approved the cultivation of 14 genetically modified (GM) seeds but only registered them for importation for food, feed, or processing.
- The authority emphasizes that the approved GM products, including maize and soybean events, are not intended for cultivation but for direct use as food, feed, or processing materials.
- Despite concerns raised about the introduction of GM crops, the NBA assures Ghanaians of the safety of approved GM products, citing rigorous risk assessments and compliance with international biosafety standards.
- Calls to reject GM seeds are dismissed by the NBA, which underscores the importance of adopting emerging plant breeding technologies for sustained crop improvement and food security in Ghana.
In a surprising turn of events, the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) of Ghana has declared that it has not granted approval for the cultivation of 14 genetically modified (GM) products in the country. Instead, the authority clarified that it has only registered these products for importation, emphasizing that they are intended for food, feed, or processing purposes.
In a statement issued by NBA’s Chief Executive Officer, Eric Amaning Okoree, the authority reiterated its commitment to regulating GM products in accordance with the Biosafety Act of 2011. Okoree clarified that entities interested in importing GM products must obtain an import permit from the NBA, underscoring that the approved products are not intended for cultivation.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns surrounding the introduction of GM crops into Ghana’s agricultural landscape. While proponents argue that GM technology holds the potential to enhance crop yields and improve food security, critics have raised fears about the safety and long-term environmental impacts of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Okoree sought to allay these concerns by assuring Ghanaians of the safety of GM products that have received NBA approval. Notably, the authority highlighted the approval of Bt Cowpea submitted by the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) and 14 events submitted by Bayer West-Central Africa S.A and Syngenta South Africa, emphasizing that these products are intended for food, feed, or processing purposes only.
The NBA emphasized that the approved products, comprising eight maize and six soybean events, are not intended for cultivation. Instead, they are grains approved for direct use as food, feed, or processing materials. The approval process involved a thorough risk assessment conducted by the NBA Technical Advisory Committee, ensuring compliance with international biosafety standards.
Despite the NBA’s assurances, concerns persist among some segments of the Ghanaian population regarding the introduction of GM crops. Calls to reject GM seeds have been met with skepticism by the NBA, which views the adoption of emerging plant breeding technologies as essential for sustained crop improvement and food security.
The controversy surrounding GM crops in Ghana underscores the complex intersection of agricultural innovation, regulatory oversight, and public perception. While proponents advocate for the benefits of GM technology in addressing food security challenges, critics remain wary of the potential risks and uncertainties associated with genetically modified organisms.
As Ghana navigates the intricacies of GM regulation, the NBA remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the environment and public health. With robust biosafety measures in place, the authority aims to ensure the responsible introduction and monitoring of GM products in the country, balancing the imperatives of agricultural innovation with the need for comprehensive risk assessment and public consultation.
The unfolding debate over GM crops in Ghana, according to Ghana Graphics, serves as a poignant reminder of the broader challenges and opportunities inherent in agricultural biotechnology. As the nation grapples with questions of sustainability, food sovereignty, and technological progress, the path forward remains uncertain, shaped by a multiplicity of voices and interests seeking to chart a course toward a more resilient and equitable agricultural future.
