Ghanaian scientists have urged their government to invest more in agricultural research. Speaking at a recent workshop on media outreach and the launch of ISAAA’s Global Status on Commercialized Biotech Crops (2015), Professor Kenneth Danso, Director of the Biotechnology and Nuclear Research Institute (BNRI), called on the government to invest in agricultural research to improve the sector. “The government should take agricultural issues more seriously by allocating more funds to research in order to limit over-dependence on donor support”, Said Dr Danso.
Dr Lawrence Misa Aboagye, Director of the Plant Genetic Resources Centre (CSIR/PGRRI) in Bunso, Eastern Ghana, acknowledged the importance of continuity of GM crops research in the country. “GM Crops are developed to obtain new desired traits such as early maturing crops to match reduced rainfall, heat and drought tolerant varieties as well as high yielding varieties. “
The Global Status report was presented by Professor Walter Sandow Alhassan, an Agricultural Specialist and former Director General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). He underlined farmer benefits that ensued from GM crops commercialization in the 20 years of commercialization. He shared with participants the Akan translation of the Top Ten Facts of the report.
The event was organized by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology-Ghana Chapter, and CSIR on May 26, 2016, at the Plant Genetic Resources Centre (CSIR/PGRRI) of Bunso in Eastern Ghana.
For more information on the event, contact Dr. Margaret Ottah Atikpo, chair of the OFAB Programming Committee in Ghana at magatik@yahoo.co.uk