Ghana: Safety Concerns Raised Over Approval Of Genetically Modified Food

News in Brief: Ghana's food security center opposes the government's approval of new genetically modified food due to potential health and environmental risks, urging for more research and public involvement. The Centre for Climate Change and Food Security (CCCFS) is challenging the Ghanaian government's decision to approve 14 new genetically modified (GM) food products for commercial use. These products include eight maize varieties and six soybean varieties. The call is in solidarity with other bodies who have recently voiced concerns against the government’s position. These include: the Ghana Journalists for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (GJESHA) and the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana While acknowledging the potential benefits of biotechnology in agriculture, the CCCFS raised concerns about potential health and environmental risks associated with GM crops. According to a news report, the centre highlights several key areas of concerns such as:

• Environmental Impact: Large-scale cultivation of GM crops could disrupt ecosystems, harm biodiversity, and threaten the long-term sustainability of agriculture.
• Human Health: Despite assurances from developers, the long-term health effects of consuming GM food remain unclear, and further research is needed.
• Socio-Economic Issues: The introduction of GM products could exacerbate inequalities within the agricultural sector, potentially favoring large corporations over small-scale farmers and jeopardising food security.
• Transparency and Accountability: The CCCFS questions the adequacy of the approval process and the level of independent research conducted to ensure the safety of these products.

Furthermore, the Centre argues that approving GM crops undermines Ghana's food sovereignty and could place control of the country's food production in the hands of corporations. They advocate for a more cautious approach, urging the government to prioritize the precautionary principle and conduct thorough risk assessments before further commercialization of GM products. Additionally, the CCCFS calls for increased public participation and a more inclusive decision-making process that considers the concerns of all stakeholders, including farmers, environmental groups, and consumer rights organizations.