By Gloria Anderson
The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has stepped up efforts to strengthen public trust in its work, unveiling a series of reforms aimed at improving transparency, streamlining processes, and deepening awareness of biosafety issues in Ghana.
At a stakeholder engagement in Accra, Chief Executive Officer of the NBA, Kwame Dei Asamoah Okyere, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to safeguarding the public through robust regulation of modern biotechnology, including genetically modified organisms (GMOs). He announced improvements in application procedures, the introduction of a clear system for non-GMO certification, and enhanced processes for GMO detection and identification.
Mr. Okyere also highlighted proposed reductions in fees—a move intended to encourage compliance by eliminating cost barriers.
“We are working to ensure that our processes are transparent, credible, and accessible to all,” he said. “Your safety is our priority, and we will continue to strengthen public education so that people know exactly what we are about.”
The announcement was welcomed by Hon. John Darko, Member of Parliament for Suame, who praised the NBA’s decision to cut charges. He emphasised that such reforms should go through proper parliamentary and ministerial channels to ensure the Authority secures the resources it needs.
“These changes will be welcomed by many in the field,” he said, “but it is important that government continues to consult stakeholders before implementation to avoid backlash.”
Enoch Ilori, Country Coordinator of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Ghana, described the proposed fee reductions as a positive step for biotechnology in the country. He noted that lower costs will remove excuses for bypassing the official process, thereby ensuring that products on the market have gone through the necessary safety checks.
Despite the positive reception, participants raised concerns over limited public awareness of the NBA’s mandate and the state of GMOs in Ghana. They noted that many citizens, particularly farmers and rural communities, have little knowledge of biosafety issues. One participant urged the Authority to intensify education efforts at the grassroots.
“The awareness should not be limited to urban centres or academic circles. It should go deep into the communities, because that is where the action happens,” the participant said.
Stakeholders also called for stronger market surveillance, including clear guidelines on product labelling, so that consumers can make informed decisions. They stressed that every individual has the right to know whether the food they purchase contains GMOs.
Professor Chaos Toto, Director of the CSIR Food Research Institute, described the session as an “eye-opener,” praising the NBA for sharing detailed updates on its work and calling for more regular engagements.
“This has been an excellent platform for us to understand the Authority’s activities and help communicate them to the public,” he said.
The engagement ended on a note of cautious optimism, with participants acknowledging the progress made by the NBA but underscoring the need for stronger outreach. The Authority pledged to refine its communication strategy, especially on social media and through market and school outreach, so that every Ghanaian will not only recognise the NBA’s name but also understand its role in ensuring biosafety.
