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10 Seed Companies Licensed to Produce, Distribute Improved Crop Varieties
In a move to strengthen Ghana’s seed system and accelerate agricultural innovation, the Crops Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR–CRI) has licensed 10 private seed companies to produce and distribute improved crop varieties developed by the Institute.
The initiative, led by Dr. Hillary Mireku Botey, Senior Research Scientist and Intellectual Property Officer at CSIR–CRI, is expected to enhance large-scale production, reduce post-development dormancy of varieties, and support the government’s feeding programme.
“This development will ensure that our varieties no longer sit on shelves unused. We are augmenting the work of private seed companies toward profitability and national impact,” Dr. Botey stated.
The announcement coincides with a five-day follow-up training on Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) testing of plant varieties held in Kumasi from November 3 to 7, 2025.
Organized through a collaboration between the Ghana Industrial Property Office (GHIPO) of the Registrar-General’s Department, the Royal Netherlands Embassy, and CSIR–CRI, the training builds on the foundational session held in November 2024.
The DUS training is focused on five key crops — rice, cowpea, yam, tomato, and maize — selected as prototypical varieties for testing. Notably, Dr. Botey explained that yam and cowpea were not widely cultivated or standardized globally, and therefore lack existing UPOV test guidelines. This gap has created an opportunity for CSIR–CRI to develop localized testing protocols that will help update and validate existing varieties in Ghana’s system.
Participants were drawn from leading national breeding and research institutions, including CSIR–Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), CSIR–Oil Palm Research Institute (OPRI), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), and the Directorate of Crop Services of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Dr. Ernest Baafi, Deputy Director of CSIR–CRI, expressed confidence that the training would equip national plant breeders and seed scientists to conduct DUS trials efficiently and effectively, in line with the Plant Variety Protection Act, 2020 (Act 1050) and its accompanying Regulations, 2022 (L.I. 2463).
The sessions were being facilitated by two international experts from Naktuinbouw, the Netherlands — Dr. Wim Sangster and Dr. Lizah van den Engel — alongside Dr. Botey.
The training features interactive, hands-on modules designed to align Ghana’s plant variety testing with international standards under the UPOV Convention.
By Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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For the first time in its seven-year history, the celebrated Guinea Fowl Bazaar has been brought to Accra, marking a significant expansion of an event that has, for the past six years, been a staple in Tamale.
The two-day cultural and culinary festival, held from May 1–2, drew over 500 patrons and featured nearly 20 vendors, to promote Northern Ghana’s rich food culture particularly guinea fowl delicacies.
Hosted by By Faith Catering Services, the bazaar brought together traditional leaders, cultural groups, food entrepreneurs, and government representatives in a display of heritage and enterprise.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Angelo Dogbe, the Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority underscored the importance of promoting indigenous cuisine as a tool for economic development and cultural preservation. Chiefs from the Northern Region also graced the occasion, lending traditional authority and reinforcing the cultural significance of the festival.
A major highlight of the bazaar was a series of captivating cultural performances representing the diverse tribes of the Northern Region. Attendees were treated to traditional music, dance, and attire, transforming the venue into a lively tapestry of Northern identity and pride.
Vendors expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to showcase their products to a new audience in the capital. Many noted increased visibility, networking opportunities, and strong sales throughout the two-day event.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of By Faith Catering Services, Mrs. Matilda Zenabu Pipio described the Accra edition as a strategic move to broaden the reach of the festival and create new economic pathways for vendors and producers from the north.
She announced plans to make the Accra bazaar an annual event, emphasizing its potential to boost employment, promote guinea fowl production, and introduce more Ghanaians to the unique flavours of Northern cuisine.
She said, the event is a platform for cultural exchange, economic empowerment, and national unity through food.
She commended partners and called on more organisers to support and invest in initiatives like this.
Meanwhile, the organizers of Guinea fowl Bazaar paid a courtesy call to the Editor of Spectator, Mrs. Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo and Mr. David Adadevoh, Acting Editor of The Ghanaian Times.
Both editors lauded the initiatives and encouraged the organizers to sustain it.
Organizers for the initiative and called on stakeholders and cooperate bodies to support this good course.
By Geoffrey Buta.
MTN Ghana has hosted more than 200 students from various educational institutions in Accra for an engaging, hands-on technology immersion at MTN House, bringing classroom theory to life and fueling interest in STEM and digital innovation.
Students from Ashesi University, Ghana International School, Cradle Star Academy, and Kinderland School explored MTN Ghana’s rich history, core values, customer-focused innovations, and digital transformation agenda.
They were introduced to the company’s sustainability and social impact initiatives, spanning education, youth empowerment and community development. A key highlight of the visits was a tour of MTN Ghana’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) and data centres.
The students gained first-hand exposure to the advanced technology, systems, and expertise powering seamless connectivity for millions daily – offering a rare look into how MTN ensures network performance, security, and resilience.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, noted, “Hosting students at MTN House reflects our commitment to shaping Ghana’s digital future. As we deliver our Ambition 2030 strategy, we are deepening investments in youth development through programmes like the Bright Scholarship, the MTN Digital Skills Academy, and collaborations on the One Million Coders Programme and the Girls in ICT initiative led by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.”
Paschal Paaga, Manager for IT Projects Implementation, emphasised the importance of experiential learning.
‘’By opening our doors, we are helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. We want young people to see the real-world impact of technology and be inspired to pursue careers in STEM.”
For many participants, the experience was transformative. Maame Sapomaa, a Level 300 Information Systems student from Ashesi University, shared, “The visit was incredibly inspiring. Everything we have learned in the classroom came to life, and we were exposed to new concepts beyond our studies. It has motivated me even more to pursue a career in technology.”
As MTN Ghana advances its Ambition 2030 vision, the company remains committed to driving digital inclusion, platform-led innovation, and building strategic partnerships that support Ghana’s long-term socio-economic development.
