In a recent ruling, the Accra Human Rights Court One dismissed an application brought forth by Food Sovereignty Ghana (FSG), a prominent civil society organization, challenging the commercialization of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Ghana. The decision, presided over by Justice Barbara Tetteh Charwey, was based on the insufficiency of evidence presented by the plaintiff to convince the court.
As part of its ruling, the Court mandated that all GMOs on the market should be clearly labeled to enable the public to make informed choices. Additionally, the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) was directed to undertake public sensitization and education initiatives on GMOs.
The application, filed jointly by FSG, the Vegetarians’ Association, and the Convention People’s Party, sought to ascertain whether the necessary processes and laws had been followed in the ongoing plans to commercialize GMOs in Ghana. The plaintiffs also sought a declaration regarding the adequacy of documentation related to risk assessment and management in connection with the intention to release and commercialize cowpea and rice in the Ghanaian ecosystem, as well as compliance with legal requirements in GMO activities.
Furthermore, the plaintiffs sought an interlocutory injunction to prevent the approval, release, and commercialization of GMO rice and cowpea until a final determination by the Court.
Following the judgment, Mr. Eric Okoree Amaning, CEO of the NBA, clarified that there were no GMOs available on the market as purported during the lengthy nine-year trial period. He emphasized that GMOs were still in the research phase and that there was no data on GMOs from Nigeria in the Ghanaian market, thereby explaining the inability of his organization to comply with the Court’s order to publish such data.
Mr. Wayo Ghanamanti, counsel for the plaintiff, expressed some discontent with the court's decision but acknowledged it as a victory for Ghana. He pledged to closely monitor the National Biosafety Authority to ensure compliance with the Court’s directives. Ghanamanti also highlighted the significance of preserving Ghana’s fertile lands for conventional food production, emphasizing concerns about consuming GMOs.
This ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing discourse surrounding GMOs in Ghana. It underscores the importance of transparency and public awareness in matters concerning biotechnology and agricultural practices. As stakeholders continue to navigate this complex terrain, it is imperative to prioritize rigorous assessment and responsible decision-making to safeguard both the environment and public health.
-source GNA | curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
