Ghana gov't faces backlash over commercialisation of 14 genetically modified products
The government of Ghana is under increasing pressure after fourteen newly developed genetically modified (GM) products were approved for commercialisation in the country.
Ghana's National Biosafety Authority (NBA) recently greenlit the commercialisation of 14 new genetically modified products, including 8 maize events and 6 soybean events, sparking concerns.
The Ghana Journalists for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (GJESHA) joined the chorus of voices calling for an immediate ban on GM products, echoing similar appeals from the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana and the Centre for Climate Change and Food Security (CCCFS), as reported by local media outlet Joy Online.
The GJESHA emphasized the importance of prioritising agro-ecological approaches that promote biodiversity, resilience, and equitable access to nutritious food for all Ghanaians.
"While proponents of GM technology argue its potential to increase yields and enhance food security, GJESHA firmly believes that this decision poses grave risks to our environment, public health, and agricultural sustainability," the group stated.
The journalists expressed concerns that GM products could threaten the biodiversity of Ghana's agriculture, potentially damaging the ecosystem.
They highlighted the risk of contamination of native plant species through cross-pollination, which could disrupt the delicate balance of the environment and livelihoods of traditional farmers.
In response to public backlash, the Ghana Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) clarified that it has not approved the commercialisation of the 14 genetically modified products approved by the NBA.
"MoFA has not approved the commercialisation of the maize and soya products as approved by NBA," MoFA stated in a press release issued on April 10. The ministry emphasized that these released products should not be used as seeds in the West African nation.
While the long-term health impacts of consuming GM foods remain uncertain, the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, praised the NBA's decision to approve the commercialisation of genetically modified products.
AUDA-NEPAD highlighted that this effort aligns with the African Union's Agenda 2063 Aspiration 1, aiming for "a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development," and Goal Number 5, targeting "Modern agriculture for increased productivity and production."
