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Biotechnology scientists converge in Ghana to deliberate on genetically modified organisms
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Scientists behind biotechnology have gathered in Ghana, Accra to deliberate on how genome editing and genetically modified organism technologies can be applied appropriately to benefit African farmers and the world at large.
Genome editing technology is a tool that enables genetic engineering where DNA is replaced, deleted or inserted in the genome of a living organism while a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is an animal, plant, or microbe whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
The International Symposium held on the theme: Increasing Access to New Tools, Technologies and Methods in Africa’s Agriculture on Friday among other issues discussed the future of biotech crops in Africa from the perspectives of scientists, government, officials and regulators.
Speaking at the conference, Dr Leena Tripathi, Eastern Africa Director of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Leader of Biotechnology, said farmers at most times lose about 80 per cent of their crops to pests and other diseases leaving many in abject poverty.
In addition, he explained that due to the pests, farmers sometimes sprayed pesticides eight times in a season, pointing out that such constant spraying cost farmers a lot of money.
Dr Tripathi indicated that scientists had developed the pod borer-resistant (PBR) varieties to help fight pests that destroyed the crop at all stages of its development and was hopeful that regulators would work with them to help alleviate poverty among farmers and also ensure the country’s food security.
The Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Yaw Frimpong Addo, lamented that agriculture and food production remained a major priority of the country however, successive governments had made relentless efforts to make investments, guided by policies and strategies to ensure sustainable agriculture.
Mr Addo noted that food remained indispensable for the survival of humans and that science had established that there was limited time beyond which mankind could not survive without food adding that “investment in agriculture, with support from education and health, will guarantee sustainable food production and nutrition for citizens globally.
“The government is not relenting in its efforts to transform agriculture as the sector is the driving force behind the economy, presenting the best opportunity for accelerated industrialisation, job creation and poverty reduction,” he underscored.
Professor Eric Yirenkyi Danquah, Founding Director, West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement, observed that smallholder farmers in Africa needed access to biotech crops more than farmers anywhere else in the world.
According to him, the time had come for African governments to use available data on biotech solutions to take decisions that would improve livelihoods and lift millions out of extreme hunger and poverty in Africa.
By Benedicta Gyimaah Folley
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has taken note of public allegations of extortion and related conduct made against the Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
The allegations were made by the Chief Executive of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi.
In a brief statement, the OSP said it has also received a joint petition submitted by two persons, as well as two separate petitions from other persons, in relation to the same allegations.
“Given the nature of the allegations, the OSP will assess the case and determine whether it falls within its statutory mandate and whether further investigative action is warranted,” the statement said.
The development comes amid a heated public feud between the Minority in Parliament and the leadership of GoldBod over the operations of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.
The Minority, led by Afenyo-Markin, has accused GoldBod and the Bank of Ghana of causing a loss of over $1.7 billion, citing the International Monetary Fund’s August 2026 report. The Minority has vowed to pursue the matter as Parliament has reconvened for an emergency sitting.
GoldBod, on the other hand, has rejected claims by some NPP MPs, including Tano South MP Dr Gideon Boako, that it owes the Bank of Ghana GH¢1 billion in overdrafts, describing the claim as “false and malicious.”
In the latest twist, GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi has accused the Minority Leader of extortion and related conduct, an allegation that has triggered petitions to the OSP.
The OSP is mandated under Act 959 to investigate and prosecute specific cases of alleged or suspected corruption and corruption-related offences involving public officers and politically exposed persons.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has filed his nomination to contest the position of General Secretary again as the party begins its rebuilding efforts ahead of the 2028 general elections.
He was accompanied by party stalwarts and supporters who were in high spirits, expressing confidence that he is the right person to hold the position.
Speaking after filing his nomination, Mr Kodua Frimpong assured the rank and file of the party that he would not disappoint them.
“I can assure you that the faith the rank and file of the party have had in me, I will never disappoint them,” he said.
He also pledged to run a clean campaign devoid of personal attacks.
“I can assure you that our internal campaign will be devoid of personal attacks,” he told his fellow contestants and the rank and file of the party as he seeks to retain his position.
His tenure has seen the party through the 2024 general elections, where the NPP lost power to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after eight years in government.
The party is currently in a rebuilding phase, with internal elections scheduled to elect new national executives to lead its reorganization towards the 2028 polls.
The General Secretary position is considered one of the most influential in the party’s administrative structure, responsible for the day-to-day running of the party secretariat and implementation of party decisions.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
