GMO status in Ghana: Scientific breakthrough or risk?

One subject that has generated a lot of controversy and concern is Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

This is especially true in the production of foods classified as GMOs.

Whereas some countries have placed an outright ban on the production of GMOs, others have welcomed it as a breakthrough for the benefit of society.

Some countries have given it partial acceptability and have put in place a mechanism to ensure that products are labelled to indicate their GMO status and to help consumers make informed choices.

In Ghana, there are some GMO crops. For some, this is good news, while others see it as risks associated with health risks.

Do GMOs provide benefits or rather present health risks? Some farmers I spoke to did not seem to know of any health implications. What they said was that they depended on seed suppliers at the time of planting, since they cannot reproduce from GMO produce.

It has also been argued that Ghana has an abundant supply of natural resources like fertile soil, forests, favourable rainfall, water bodies such as rivers and dams and refuse, which can be used to produce composts and fertilisers.

We stand to benefit immensely from the production of organic foods for both home consumption and exports. We, therefore, have to take a careful view of the blessings given us by our creator.

I invite all Ghanaians to begin a discussion on the subject to allay fears about GMOs in the country, to ensure that the country is well positioned to benefit.

I, particularly, urge the Graphic Communications Group Ltd. to lead in this matter as they did, when they provided a forum for sharing ideas on the topic:

‘’The Quality Health for All’’ recently under the sponsorship of the Ghana Shippers Authority.

At this May 28, 2024 forum at the Shippers Authority Hall, some people expressed passionate sentiments on the issue of GMOs in Ghana calling for informed views to guide consumer choices.

Similarly, in a letter published in the August 3, 2024 issue of the Mirror (page 2), Nana Yaw of Sapeiman, Accra, called for more sensitisation of people to GMO crops in Ghana.

He called for more discussions by experts on the matter regarding the safety of GMOs on humans. I support these calls.

The writer is a Financial Analyst.