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Biotechnology scientists converge in Ghana to deliberate on genetically modified organisms
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
President John Dramani Mahama has set up and will personally chair a new Presidential Advisory Group on the Economy (PAGE) to help guide Ghana’s economic recovery and growth.
In a statement issued by the Presidency on Thursday, January 15, 2026, the government said the move is part of its commitment to restore macroeconomic stability, strengthen fiscal discipline, and promote inclusive and job-creating economic growth.
The advisory group will support the implementation of key government programmes such as the 24-Hour Economy, the Accelerated Export Development Programme, and the Reset Agenda.
According to the statement, PAGE has been formed to provide independent, non-partisan and expert advice to the President on major economic issues.
It said the group will draw on both national and international experience to ensure sound economic management and evidence-based decision-making.
“The establishment of PAGE reflects the President’s resolve to draw on deep national and international expertise to support sound economic governance and strategic policy coordination,” the statement noted.
The Presidency explained that the group will advise the President on macroeconomic management, fiscal consolidation, debt sustainability, and how to ensure harmony between fiscal and monetary policies.
It will also provide guidance on industrial development, competitiveness, export growth, private sector expansion, investment mobilisation, and sustainable job creation.
In addition, PAGE will support the planning and implementation of the 24-Hour Economy and the Accelerated Export Development Programme.
It will also conduct regular reviews of Ghana’s economic performance and propose policy changes where necessary.
The group is expected to contribute to Ghana’s engagements with international financial institutions, development partners, and investors.
“The group shall report directly to the President and submit advisory memoranda and briefs as and when requested,” the statement said.
Membership of the advisory group includes respected personalities from academia, public service, and the private sector.
They are: Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Mr. Ishmael Yamson, private sector leader, Mr. Kwame Pianim, economist and private sector leader, Ms. Nana Oye Mansa Yeboaa, former Deputy Minister of Finance and Trade and Industry, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, former Governor of the Bank of Ghana and former Finance Minister, Sir Samuel Esson Jonah, industrialist, Mr. Ato Brown, former World Bank infrastructure specialist,”.
The rest are, Dr. Henry A. Kofi Wampah, former Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Togbe Afede XIV, economist and private sector leader, Ms. Abena Amoah, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Stock Exchange, Prof. Priscilla Twumasi Baffour, university professor and Prof. Patience Aseweh Abor, PhD, university professor.
The statement added that formation of PAGE shows the President’s strong commitment to inclusive growth, economic stability, and long-term national development.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang commends local government ministry for progress in decentralisation
Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has praised the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs for its key role in bringing governance closer to the people through decentralisation.
She made this known after she visited the Ministry to engage with its leadership and staff.
According to her, the visit was to better understand the progress being made in responsive governance and effective service delivery across the country.
“The Ministry is truly at the heart of government, especially as we work to reset the decentralisation agenda and strengthen our institutions,” she said.
During the meeting, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, briefed the Vice President on several achievements since he took office.
He said the Ministry had successfully organised orientation programmes for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), and had issued clear guidelines on how the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) should be used.
He also spoke about the National Decentralisation Dialogue, which he described as an important platform that allows stakeholders to contribute ideas toward the future of Ghana’s decentralisation process.
Ahmed Ibrahim further noted that the Ministry has strengthened its relationship with traditional authorities.
He said engagement with chiefs and queen mothers has increased significantly, adding that the government has approved about a 300 percent increase in allowances for paramount chiefs and queen mothers.
According to him, this move shows government’s recognition of the important role traditional leaders play in promoting unity, development, and local governance.
The Minister announced the launch of National Sanitation Day work plans.
He explained that this forms part of preparations to roll out a 24-hour sanitation programme aimed at improving hygiene and sanitation across the country.
He added that there is renewed confidence among investors and development partners because of the growing stability and clear direction under the current administration.
In her remarks, the Vice President stressed that decentralisation must be used to improve the daily lives of Ghanaians.
She said social governance is key to maintaining peace and national stability.
She commended the Ministry for its efforts to ensure that public funds, especially the DACF, are used for their intended purposes.
“I appreciate the steps being taken to ensure accountability and that these funds truly benefit the people,” she stated.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the engagement was not only to encourage the Ministry but also to listen, support, and strengthen cooperation in delivering better results for communities.
She reminded all stakeholders that governance is a shared responsibility.
“Government does not work alone. We must continue to treat every stakeholder, at every level, with the respect they deserve,” she said.
By: Jacob Aggrey
