By ActionAid Ghana has stepped into the renewed discussions surrounding the commercialization of Genetically Modified Foods, urging the government to immediately pause any initiatives to commercialize GMOs.
They emphasize the need for comprehensive research into the impact of GMOs on human health, along with extensive consultation with stakeholders before any further steps are taken.
ActionAid Ghana, as a prominent advocate for social justice and sustainable farming practices, highlights its commitment to safeguarding the interests and livelihoods of smallholder farmers nationwide. Expressing concern over the government’s endorsement of the commercialization of 14 genetically modified organisms (GMO) foods in Ghana, the organization underscores the importance of prioritizing the well-being and rights of local farmers in agricultural decisions.
In a press release, ActionAid Ghana expanded on their concerns, asserting that Ghana’s decision to remove restrictions on GMOs poses a significant risk to the nation’s food security.
“We believe that the recent decision to lift restrictions on GMOs poses significant risks to food security, biodiversity, and the well-being of vulnerable communities. We acknowledge the importance of agroecology—a farming approach rooted in ecological processes to agricultural development and employment in Ghana”.
It continued that “with the current economic challenges widening the poverty gap, AAG is calling on the government to prioritize agroecology as a sustainable farming approach and cease the commercialization of GMOs in food production. Agroecology can guarantee meeting local food security needs, reduce deforestation, limit land grabs, support livelihoods, and thus contribute to Ghana’s economic growth”.
They are thus calling on the government to:
Prioritize the precautionary principle and halt the commercialization of GMOs until thorough research on the effects on human life and public consultations are conducted.
- Allocate funds to the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure adequate support for agroecological practices, training, and knowledge-sharing among
smallholder farmers. - Recognize the critical role women smallholder farmers play in food production and create an enabling environment for their participation and leadership.
ActionAid-Ghana-Statement-on-the-Commercialisation-of-14-GMO-Foods-by-NBA- (1) Download.
