The Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Ghana Chapter has officially endorsed the newly developed genetically modified Songotra T Cowpea, asserting its safety for human consumption, livestock, and the environment. This endorsement comes amidst ongoing debates surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Ghana, with advocates emphasizing the need for food security and agricultural innovation in the country.
At a recent sensitization event organized by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with OFAB Ghana, Dr. Daniel Osei Ofosu, a Senior Research Scientist at the Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, addressed the misconceptions about GMOs. He argued that the fears surrounding GMOs are largely driven by misinformation from anti-GMO factions that oppose agricultural advancements aimed at achieving food sufficiency in Ghana and across Africa. Dr. Ofosu highlighted that the introduction of the Songotra T Cowpea is poised to revolutionize cowpea farming, offering substantial benefits to farmers and consumers alike.
The Songotra T Cowpea is engineered to resist the Maruca pod borer, a notorious pest responsible for up to 80 percent of cowpea crop losses. Traditionally, farmers have resorted to heavy pesticide applications—sometimes up to eight times during the plant’s short growth cycle—to combat this pest, leading to increased production costs and elevated market prices, which have recently soared to over GH₵3,000 for a 50kg bag. With the introduction of this pest-resistant variety, Ghana joins Nigeria as the second African nation to adopt such innovations, indicating a significant leap forward in local agricultural capacity.
The anticipated economic benefits of the Songotra T Cowpea are substantial, with expectations of reduced bean prices and enhanced food security. According to the CSIR, the successful rollout of this biotech crop could bolster acceptance of biotechnology solutions within Ghana, paving the way for further advancements in agricultural practices. Dr. Ofosu mentioned that farmers will be able to plant the Songotra T in the upcoming planting season, marking a pivotal moment for the agricultural sector.
Professor Charles Tortoe, Director of the CSIR – Food Research Institute, emphasized the critical importance of food security in Ghana, advocating for the exploration of diverse technologies, including biotechnology, to enhance agricultural productivity. He noted that these innovations are essential for addressing the pressing challenges of food insecurity faced by the nation. The Director reiterated the alignment of CSIR’s research activities with ensuring food safety and availability, stating that biotechnology represents a vital area of innovation that Ghana must embrace to remain competitive in global agriculture.
Dr. Doris Yaa Osei, Acting Deputy Director of the Animal Research Institute, expressed her newfound clarity on GM technology following the sensitization engagement. She encouraged the public to recognize the potential of GMOs, asserting that they are a natural part of agricultural advancement and should not be misunderstood due to anti-GMO rhetoric.
Nana Akua Yeboah, Principal Regulatory Officer at the Food and Drugs Authority, assured the public that the Songotra T Cowpea has undergone rigorous safety evaluations and will be clearly labeled to enhance consumer transparency. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the National Biosafety Authority and other stakeholders, underscores the commitment to ensuring that Ghanaians have access to safe and well-regulated food products.
The endorsement of the Songotra T Cowpea signals a significant step forward for agricultural biotechnology in Ghana, with potential implications for food security, economic stability, and the future of farming in the region. As the country moves towards embracing these innovations, the dialogue surrounding GMOs is likely to evolve, reflecting a broader acceptance of science-based solutions to agricultural challenges.
