Effective communication needed to correct misconceptions about biotechnology
By Christabel Oboshie ANNAN, Accra
The Director-General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Professor Paul Bosu says that effective communication is the bridge that will help correct the misconceptions surrounding biotechnology in Ghana.
He said this in relation to the misconceptions concerning Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) Crops in the country.
He stated that it is imperative that scientists and advocates are equipped with accurate knowledge to effectively communicate their inventions.
He noted that in the pursuit of advocating for the acceptance of biotechnology products, it is paramount that scientists become ambassadors and champions of their own creations.
Professor Bosu said this at an Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) workshop organised by the CSIR for Scientists to bring clarity to the ongoing GM technology activities in Ghana.
He indicated that the ability of Scientists to convey the benefits and implications of GM technology to stakeholders, policymakers, and the public at large is pivotal for informed decision-making and progress.
“In a world where science and technology play an increasingly vital role in shaping our future, the responsibility of Scientists extends beyond the laboratory, and are called to elucidate the benefits and potential concerns associated with their products” he stressed.
He mentioned that the CSIR’s collaboration with OFAB and partners like the Africa Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) will continue to be instrumental in providing a powerful communication platform to advocate for the acceptance of Ghana’s first genetically modified approved crop – Pod Borer Resistance (PBR) Cowpea.
“As we inch closer hopefully to the commercial release approval for the PBR Cowpea developed by SARI, our scientists role in communication becomes ever more pronounced” he said.
He noted that developing biotechnology products, such as the PBR Cowpea, is a complex journey laden with legal requirements and regulatory scrutiny.
He therefore applauded CSIR’s Scientists and partners for their dedicated resources and knowledge to advance research and advocacy in various realms.
Principal Investigator for Cowpea (CSIR-SARI), Dr. Jerry Nboyine speaking on the process and status of GM Cowpea developed in Ghana said Ghana could have its first locally developed GM cowpea variety released for commercial cultivation by the close of 2023.
He stated that the CSIR- SARI has produced sufficient early generation seeds and is working towards making high quality foundation seeds available for seed companies to multiply for distribution to farmers.
He noted that the CSIR- SARI aims to release an additional five varieties of GM cowpea for cultivation by farmers after 2023 and they will be Bt Apagbaala, Bt Padituya, Bt Wang-Kae, Bt Kirkhouse Benga and Songotra.
“We are also exploring methods of producing a second generation of PBR Cowpeas that expresses cry 1 Ab and Cry 2 Ab” he added.
A participant from the workshop, Noami A. Frimpong from the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute said she had a negative opinion on GM because foods promoted always carried the label “NO GMO,” implying that GM is bad.
She noted that after the workshop, she has seen the need for GM had been clear to her because of the rise in pests, the frequency of natural disasters, and the requirement to alter food so that it would be pest-resistant and resilient in a crisis.
She advised that scientists should read and understand the concept of GMO to clear all misconceptions surrounding biotechnology.
Naomi Frimpong applauded OFAB-CSIR for the opportunity and encouraged them to continue with more workshops to help scientists clear all the misconceptions surrounding biotechnology.
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research is the government agency mandated to lead science and technological research and development in the country.
