A Biochemist and
Molecular Biologist, Dr. Yaa Difie Osei have emphasized that critics and
criticisms against genetically modified foods is significant in ensuring that
its implementation in Ghana and globally is safe and smooth.
She noted that all
the criticisms by anti-GM organizations and the general public is good because
it will challenge experts like herself to ensure that absolute due diligence is
done at all times to ensure that foods produced through the use of modern
biotechnology are safe for the masses and generations unborn.
More so, it will help
governments, regional blocks and international organizations to ensure adequate
education, resources, capacity building and establishment of institutions to
enlighten the public more and strictly regulate experts and the use of such
technology worldwide.
Dr. Difie Osei made
the observation in Ho recently, at a day’s sensitization workshop for farmers,
farmer-based organizations and staff of Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA)
from eight municipalities and districts of the Volta Region.
It was organised by
the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa (OFAB) under the
auspices of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation and the Council for
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Planning Committee of OFAB,
Ghana.
She said “the fears
being expressed by anti-GM groups are normal and for me it is necessary…it is
rather challenging us to ensure that the right thing is done, more tests are
done and every requirement satisfied..It is strengthening implementing agencies
to ensure that we are all safe. That is good.”
Dr. Osei counseled
the public not to lose sight of the fact genetic engineering is just like any
other technology which could be a blessing or potentially high risked, but more
importantly, the ability to tap into its positive sides
under strict security regimes to provide the needs of humanity surmounts all
skepticisms.
She also cited that
“such criticisms and skepticisms by the public is one reason for workshops like
this, so the public can compare the facts and make informed and positive decisions
about GM and Agricultural Biotechnology for the benefit all.”
In the case of Ghana,
she disclosed that a lot of preparations is going on behind the scenes to
ensure that Ghana is well positioned benefit from modern biotechnology and
genetic modification to ensure food security and increased exportation for
foreign exchange.
So far preparations
made include the passing of the Bio-Safety Act, (Act 831) of 2011, other institutional
and legal framework, human capacity development, goodwill among practicing
partners and cooperation of required Ministries, Departments and Agencies. This
Dr. Difie described as encouraging.
Dr Difie-Osei
announced that the Crop Research Institute and Savanna Agricultural Research
Institute of CSIR have begun studies into nitrogen efficient rice and Bt cotton
just like other similar projects undertaken in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Kenya and
South Africa where GM foods are already in use and others being consumed.
She was optimistic
that should Ghana succeed in embracing biotechnology, the targets set in the
Millennium Development Goals including eradicating extreme hunger, poverty and
disease, reducing child mortality and improving maternal health could be
achieved sooner than anticipated.
Dr. Margaret Ottah
Atikpo, a member of the OFAB, Ghana Board and personnel of the CSIR-Crop and
Animal Research Division said the GM technology is the way-forward in the face
of dwindling arable land sizes.
According to her, the
benefits of the technology include improved stock, higher yields, reduced farm
costs, drought-resistant seeds, higher profits and nutritional properties and
almost negligible post-harvest losses and increased shelf-life.
Mr. John Tsrakasu, the
Regional Director of MOFA counseled experts in favour of biotechnology not to
be defensive, but be open-minded about the intricacies of the technology saying
“Let us embrace technologies but challenge ourselves about the negative
technicalities that will emerge.”
He
added that developing countries, like Ghana and its colleagues on the African
continent should learn from past examples and make sure that all requirements,
doubts and challenges are taken care of before signing onto such technologies
to save the people and generations yet unborn.
Togbe Kotoku XI,
Paramount Chief of Kpenoe Traditional Area who Chaired the occasion since science
and technology is the vehicle of development in the 21st Century scientists
should partner traditional to coin matching words for scientific terminologies
for easy understanding.
They should also
collaborate with them in finding solutions to complex problems in the
grassroots since it is the base for food production and other natural
resources.
By Fred Duodu
Daily Guide
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