The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) scientists have assured the Ghanaian public that genetically modified (GM) foods, especially the Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea, are safe, nutritious, and capable of enhancing farm productivity.
CSIR says extensive testing confirms the cowpea has identical nutritional value to conventional varieties, poses no health risks, tastes the same, and offers significantly better protection against destructive farm pests.
The assurance was delivered in Bolgatanga during a stakeholder engagement workshop organised by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Ghana Chapter.
The event brought together influential faith leaders to address widespread misconceptions about GM technology and spotlight the benefits of Ghana’s first officially released GM crop, which was launched in 2024.
Dr Flora Christine Amagloh, Senior Food Scientist at CSIR’s Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), confirmed the cowpea aligns nutritionally with traditional varieties.
“Our research shows no significant difference in carbohydrates, proteins, fats or minerals between the PBR cowpea and the conventional type. Nutritionally, they are the same and safe for consumption, so all myths around them should be ignored,” she explained.
Sensory evaluations of popular Ghanaian dishes, including waakye, tubani, koose, and gari and beans (gorbe), also revealed no detectable differences in taste, texture or appearance. In some cases, Dr Amagloh noted, participants expressed a preference for meals prepared with the PBR variety.
Highlighting its agronomic benefits, Dr Gloria Adazebra, a Plant Breeder and CSIR-SARI scientist, explained that the GM cowpea was engineered to withstand pod borer infestations, a major cause of crop losses.
“Farmers spray insecticides eight to ten times in a season and still lose much of their harvest. With PBR cowpea, only two sprays are needed. This lowers production costs, protects the environment and delivers higher yields,” she said.
The workshop engaged faith leaders because of their considerable influence. “When they understand that science does not contradict faith, they can help demystify biotechnology for their communities,” Dr Adazebra added.
OFAB Ghana representative Ms Ama Kudom Agyemang emphasised the urgency of biotechnology for national food security.
“Agricultural lands are shrinking as the population grows. Farmers need better tools, not more land. Biotechnology offers those tools,” she said, encouraging religious leaders to counter misinformation. “Science is part of knowledge. It supplements, not contradicts, our faith.”
Reverend Father Dr Mark Caesar Abagna, Diocesan Coordinator for Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism for the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese, described the forum as enlightening.
“There are conspiracies that GM foods will alter humanity or damage health. These are untrue. Today’s discussions should reach many more people,” he said.
Another participant, Reverend Goldie Uemuye Patra, admitted that she previously feared GM crops due to widespread negative narratives. But after tasting (koose) prepared from PBR cowpea, she was convinced.
“The myths have been broken. It tastes the same, it’s safe, and it benefits farmers,” she said.
Source: Access Agric
