Accra:Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, has emphasized the need for increased transparency in Ghana's adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Her call includes the implementation of clear labeling and public education to empower consumers with the information necessary to make informed choices about GMO products.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings highlighted that the public has the right to know whether products contain GMOs. She advocated for non-GMO certification to extend beyond export products to encompass those on the domestic market as well. During a visit to the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) in Accra, she remarked on the detrimental effect of secrecy in breeding public mistrust.
Genetically modified organisms are entities whose genetic structures have been intentionally modified through biotechnology to exhibit specific traits, such as pest resistance or herbicide tolerance. In May 2024, the High Court upheld the NBA's decision to approve 14 GMO crop events, which underscores the relevance of this issue.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings emphasized the importance of ongoing public education to enhance understanding of biotechnology and its applications, which extend beyond agriculture to include pharmaceuticals and vaccines. She stressed that providing adequate information would enable the public to make informed decisions about using biotechnology products and would foster trust in regulatory institutions.
She also urged the NBA to broaden its communication strategy about GMO introductions, advocating for the use of social media and other modern platforms instead of relying solely on traditional newspapers. This, she believes, would help dismantle perceptions of secrecy surrounding the NBA's operations and ensure public awareness of decisions impacting GMO products.
Additionally, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings suggested that the NBA consider establishing designated areas for GMO cultivation to aid in monitoring and prevent the mixing of genetically modified crops with indigenous varieties.
In a related effort, during a visit to the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA), the Minister called for more frequent inspections of facilities dealing with radioactive materials, criticizing the current inspection intervals of one to three years as inadequate. She encouraged stronger public education to clarify the NRA's regulatory roles and distinguish them from the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission's functions.
The Minister also advocated for stronger collaboration with tertiary institutions to nurture a skilled workforce for Ghana's nuclear science and technology initiatives. She urged nuclear science professionals to remain in Ghana to support the country's long-term nuclear power goals.
The NRA reported that it had issued 312 permits related to the design, transport, and importation of radioactive devices and had developed seven sub-regulations.