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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 Africaโs 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 โinvestment in agriculture, with support from education and health, will guarantee sustainable food production and nutrition for citizens globally.
โThe 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,โ 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
Organisers of the One Humanity International Beach Soccer Cup Ghana 2026 have announced the postponement of the tournament originally scheduled to take place from May 8 to May 10, 2026.
In a statement, the organisers explained that the decision was taken after recent tidal activity and coastal erosion affected the section of Laboma Beach designated for the competition venue.
According to them, the affected area no longer meets the technical and safety standards required for hosting an international beach soccer tournament.
They noted that the damaged section was intended for the construction of the tournament arena and other event infrastructure.
The organisers said extensive consultations were held and alternative options explored, but it was not possible within the available timeframe to secure another venue that met the operational, logistical and compliance requirements for the event.
The tournament is aligned with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations One Humanity Campaign and is supported by Beach Soccer Worldwide and the National Sports Authority.
According to the organisers, postponing the competition is in the best interest of all stakeholders and consistent with the standards and values of its international partners.
They stressed that although the development is unfortunate, they remain committed to promoting beach soccer and international sporting events in Ghana.
The organisers disclosed that efforts are currently underway to reschedule the tournament for October 2026.
They added that further details regarding the new dates and arrangements will be announced later after plans have been finalised.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
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The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the World Bank Group, has launched a Regional Health, Nutrition and Population Strategy to drive a new era of stronger, more resilient healthcare systems across West and Central Africa.
Unveiled under the theme โFit to Prosper,โ the initiative targets critical challenges including infectious diseases, malnutrition, and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, while positioning health as a key engine of economic growth.
At the launch, Minister for Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh called for urgent and coordinated action across the region, stressing that health challenges are interconnected and demand collective solutions.
He noted that no country can achieve meaningful development without a strong and reliable health system.
Mr.Akandoh highlighted Ghanaโs ongoing efforts to expand primary healthcare, reduce financial barriers, and strengthen infrastructure, workforce capacity, and disease prevention systems, measures aimed at improving access and building resilience against future shocks.
The President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, noted that health remains central to Ghanaโs economic transformation agenda, stressing that investments in healthcare are not merely social spending but a critical foundation for productivity, innovation, and national prosperity.
Addressing participants on behalf of the President, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, highlighted key reforms including the Free Primary Health Care Initiative and ongoing efforts to strengthen the National Health Insurance Scheme.
He noted that these measures are aimed at expanding access, improving the quality of care, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of healthcare financing.
World Bank Division Director Robert R Taliercio commended Ghanaโs leadership and longstanding partnership with the Bank, noting that the countryโs progress in improving health outcomes demonstrates what sustained investment and strong policy direction can achieve.
The one-day event brought together Ministers of Health from across West and Central Africa, senior government officials, representatives of the World Bank Group, development partners, health experts, academics, civil society organisations, and stakeholders from the private health sector to deliberate on strategies for strengthening regional health systems and improving population wellbeing.
