By Edward Dankwah
Accra, Nov 15, GNA – The Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Ghana Chapter, has extended its sensitisation exercise to the scientific communities, particularly the institutes within the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
The goal was to bring clarity on the Genetic Modification (GM) technology activities in Ghana, and the status of work done on PBR Cowpea within the CSIR.
OFAB Ghana is a member of the OFAB Africa group which aims at creating awareness on biotechnology and genetically modified organisms in Africa, where in Ghana, the project is hosted by the CSIR.
Professor Marian Quain, Deputy Director-General, CSIR, said institutional awareness was vital for driving progress, as it supported the development of technologies and innovations, ensuring their successful integration within the system.
She said they used to hold an open day where each scientist presented their work, displaying their projects and explaining their research, which also included guided tours for other stakeholders, such as scientists and technicians, to observe and engage with the ongoing activities.
“I envision going beyond engaging only CSIR staff by taking our technologies directly into the communities, allowing them to experience and benefit from these innovations firsthand,” she added.
She said to promote science effectively, there was the need to engage with local communities, helping them connect with their work, and that this would encourage them to advocate for and support the advancement of science, while actively championing its value and impact.
Professor Quain said nations that have advanced significantly did so by leveraging science and technology, not just for consumer products like cell phones, but also for crucial issues like food security and sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change.
She said considerable progress had been made, and that moving forward, their goal was for people to confidently consume their cowpea, knowing that it was safe and beneficial, rather than a product that posed any harm.
The Deputy Director-General said breeders were actively working to ensure the availability of breeder seeds, foundation seeds, and certified seeds to support the cultivation and distribution of high-quality crops.
She said this seed would not only contribute to food security but also enhanced income, such that by reducing the need for excessive pesticide use to control insect damage, it ensured a more sustainable and profitable harvest, protecting both crop and investment.
“Nigeria already has this on their markets, and since we are exchanging seed, we will find their seed here, they will also find our seed there, and we will serve the sub-region,” she stressed.
Professor Charles Tortoe, Director, CSIR – Food Research Institute (FRI), said food was a critical priority for the country, such that it was essential to explore and adopt a range of technologies that enhanced food production, including biotechnology.
He said these innovations complemented existing methods and contributed to advancing agricultural practices.
The Director said these innovations were expanding and enhancing food production technologies, enabling them to better address the challenges of food insecurity in Ghana.
He said the Center had implemented mechanisms to expand the food basket while ensuring that the food available in our markets is safe and of high quality.
“At CSIR, all our research activities are aligned with ensuring the safety and availability of food, where today’s workshop is part of this effort, focusing on how we can expand our technological capabilities”
“Biotechnology, including GMOs, represents a key area of innovation that we must embrace to stay at the forefront of agricultural advancement,” he added.
GNA