CCCFS opposes approval of 14 new GM products, cites health and environmental risks [Video]

The Centre for Climate Change and Food Security (CCCFS) is opposing the government’s approval of some fourteen newly developed genetically modified (GM) products for commercialization in Ghana.

The Ghana National Biosafety Authority (NBA) sanctioned the commercialization of eight maize and six soybean varieties in the country under the Plant Varieties Protection Act of 2020. 

While it recognizes the potential of biotechnology to address certain agricultural challenges, CCCFS believes the decision poses significant health and environmental risks with broader socio-economic implications.

This follows calls by the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana for the government to rescind its decision, insisting that the GMOs are a threat to the country’s agriculture.

In a statement signed by the Director of Research at the centre, Sulemana Issifu, highlighted some detrimental impacts of the GM products:

1.      Environmental Risks: The widespread cultivation of GM crops has the potential to disrupt delicate ecosystems, harm biodiversity, and undermine the long-term …