By Gloria Anderson
The Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has inaugurated the fourth Governing Board of the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), calling on members to strengthen Ghana’s biosafety governance framework to promote scientific innovation, public trust, and sustainable development.
Speaking at the ceremony in Accra, Mr Buah described the biosafety sector as a “trillion-dollar global industry” with immense potential for growth in healthcare, environmental sustainability, and agriculture. He said building a robust biosafety system would enable Ghana to benefit from opportunities in food security, climate-smart farming, modern healthcare, and waste management innovations.
The minister, however, cautioned that such opportunities must be pursued responsibly to prevent risks associated with biotechnology.
“Your role is to ensure the Authority functions with integrity, transparency, and scientific credibility,” he said. “As board members, you must focus on strengthening regulatory systems, promoting public confidence, and enhancing education to dispel misinformation and conspiracy theories about biosafety and biotechnology.”
Mr Buah urged the board to prioritise the review of the Biosafety Act, 2011 (Act 831), to expand its scope in line with relevant international conventions. He also called for sustainable and innovative funding strategies to ensure the Authority’s financial independence and long-term effectiveness.
“Every agency that truly wants to succeed must think about financial sustainability. The more financially independent you are, the more effective and motivated your workforce becomes,” he advised.
He further emphasised the importance of staff capacity-building, succession planning, and mentorship programmes to nurture the next generation of biosafety experts. The minister also encouraged the Authority to forge partnerships with universities, research institutions, and industry players to enhance its knowledge base and regulatory capacity.
“As a government, we came into power to reset our country,” Mr Buah stated. “You must examine existing systems that have impeded progress and work to change them. Your appointment is both an honour and a responsibility to ensure Ghana’s biosafety system remains strong, trusted, and forward-looking.”
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Biosafety Authority, Mr Kwame Asamoah, expressed gratitude for the inauguration, describing it as a major milestone for the Authority’s operations.
“For most of the year, we’ve operated without a board, which limited certain decisions. Now that the board is in place, we look forward to sharing our plans and benefiting from their expertise and guidance,” he said.
Mr Asamoah welcomed the minister’s call to review the Biosafety Act to cover unregulated containment facilities in the food, pharmaceutical, and research sectors. He explained that the expansion would help prevent the escape of harmful biological materials into the environment, safeguard public health, and preserve biodiversity.
He assured that the NBA would operate in full compliance with the corporate governance codes set by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) and would strengthen staff capacity and succession systems to ensure continuity.
“With the board now in place, we are poised to deliver effectively on our mandate. Very soon, the National Biosafety Authority will become a household name, and Ghanaians will appreciate how our work touches their lives every day,” Mr Asamoah said.
The board members are Samuel Akrofi, Dr Edmund Acquaye, Cecilia Sheitu Nyadia, Margaret Mary Tihouenou, Sulieiman Ahmed, Sena Akosua Yvonne, Kwame Dei Asamoah Okyere, Gateman Danquah, Prof Rose Emma Mamaa Entsua-Mensah, Daniel Ahie Kotey, Eric Benstil Quaye, and Ignatius Abowini Nchor Awinibuno.
The inauguration marks a renewed commitment by the government and stakeholders to strengthen Ghana’s biosafety and biotechnology governance for national and global sustainability.
