The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana has expressed its disappointment and condemnation of the Government of Ghana’s recent decision to approve the commercialization of 14 novel Genetically Modified (GM) products. The approval, which was granted through the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), includes 8 maize and 6 soybean products, sparking concerns among farmers and agricultural stakeholders.
In a press release issued by the National President of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, Wepia Addo Awal Adugwala, the organization strongly denounced the government’s interest in promoting the agenda of multinational seed companies through their agents in Ghana. The Association raised alarm over the potential risks and consequences associated with the adoption of GM crops, emphasizing the need for caution and thorough scrutiny before introducing such products into the agricultural sector.
The Peasant Farmers Association demanded an immediate response and assurance from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) that the inputs to be supplied under the ongoing Planting for Food and Jobs phase 2 shall not include these GM varieties. The Association urged MOFA to prioritize the interests and concerns of small-scale farmers and ensure that their livelihoods are not jeopardized by the introduction of genetically modified seeds.
Furthermore, the Association called on all its members to reject any GMO seeds that will be supplied by any company, individual, or government. It emphasized the importance of preserving traditional farming practices and protecting the integrity of Ghana’s agricultural heritage.
The decision to commercialize GM products has ignited a debate within the agricultural community, with proponents highlighting potential benefits such as increased crop yields and resistance to pests and diseases. However, the Association wants the government to assist farmers with marketing instead of advocating for the adoption of “laboratory seeds that come with serious negative implications on health, the economy, and the environment.”
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Joshua Asaah|Ghana
