Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) have sparked significant controversy and concern, particularly about the production of GMO foods. While some countries have implemented an outright ban on GMO production, others view it as a significant breakthrough for the betterment of society. GMOs may not be the only solution to food security but it is a step in the right direction for food security in the world as a whole.
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 like PBR cowpea which is currently on the market. For some, this is good news, while others see it as risks associated with health risks. According to Mr Daniel Osie {Program for Biosafety System}, “All foods have side effects. Some people are allergic to some foodstuffs, but that doesn’t make the food bad for consumption for all”.
Do GMOs provide benefits or rather present health risks? Some farmers did not seem to know of any health implications. What they are saying is 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 encourage all Ghanaians to start discussing GMOs to address concerns and help the country benefit from this technology. I particularly urge the Graphic Communications Group Ltd. to take a leading role, as they have previously provided a platform for sharing ideas on this topic.
At the “Quality Health for All” forum sponsored by the Ghana Shippers Authority on May 28, 2024, participants expressed strong opinions about GMOs in Ghana, emphasizing the need for well-informed consumer choices. Additionally, in a letter published on August 3, 2024, in the Mirror (page 2), Nana Yaw of Sapeiman, Accra, called for greater awareness and discussion among experts about the safety of GMO crops in Ghana. I support these calls.
By: Benjamin Freshhope Mensah
