We do not need GMOs – Minister of Agriculture | Social

Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Minister of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), said on Wednesday that Ghana did not need genetically modified foods because it could count on some of the best food. Other means of production to ensure food security.

"We have not optimized the use of our traditional techniques, such as crossbreeding, budding and grafting, for production. In addition, citizens have expressed dislike for genetically modified foods, "said the minister.

After reading his speech, Mr. Akoto answered questions from the World Food Program's Country Directors for West and Central Africa (WFP) at the first regional meeting in Accra.

One of the directors wanted to know if Ghana would consider the integration of GMOs; following the minister's speech, which highlighted the successes of the government's flagship intervention, "Planting to feed and create jobs", and plans to include other modules.

The World Health Organization defines genetically modified foods as "organisms – plants, plants or micro-organisms – in which genetic material (DNA) has been modified in a way that does not occur naturally by mating or by natural recombination ".

The debate on genetically modified foods continues, advocates claiming that it provides a way to dramatically increase yields and combat diseases and pests.

However, critics say they pose risks to the health and safety of people, as well as damage to the natural environment.

Dr. Akoto said the food sufficiency situation in Ghana is manageable, with the government making an important occasion when drought complements local production.

Hybrid seeds, for example, could yield 40 bags of grain per acre, 10 times more than GMOs, adding that 11% of farmers also used improved seeds and fertilizers to improve yields.

In addition, Ghanaian universities had developed sufficient methods of improving the agricultural sector, which had not yet been used, so that GMOs were not imperative.

In his speech, he explained that the "Planting to Feed and Create Jobs" program was designed to meet the challenges of the sector and to motivate young people to adopt agricultural production as a business.

Two years after the start of the program, harvests were high, leading to lower food prices, while import levels were down.

In 2018, Ghana exported food products to Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, Niger and other countries, he said.
"The government will ensure that the exceptional harvest becomes an annual event as it promotes food security, annual nutrition and the economic independence of the population."

The four modules introduced are: greenhouse villages, plantation for export and rural development, livestock for food and employment and agricultural mechanization.