Biotech Updates

Ghana Begins GM Seed Field Trials

September 11, 2013

Ghana has started the field trials of genetically modified (GM) seeds in the Ashanti region and Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) premises. Ghana adopted three main varieties of seeds to be tried at specific locations across the country. The three seeds imported into the country are Bt rice, Bt cowpea and Bt cotton. According to Professor Walter S. Alhassan, member of National Biosafety Committee (NBC) of Ghana, the committee is seriously monitoring the success of the field trials.

Mr. Erick Okoree, the Secretary to the Committee said that the Bt cotton was imported by Ghana from South Africa, while the Bt rice and Bt cowpea came from CIAT in Colombia and Australia, respectively. The seeds were imported from other countries because they have been tested and grown well in those countries.

For more information, read the news article at http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=284889