The Soya Value Chain Association of Ghana has disclosed that Ghana would not benefit in any way from accepting to cultivate GMO Soya bean seeds.
This came to light at a press conference organized by the Association and presented by Mr. Thomas W. Bello, Chairman of the Soya Value Chain Association of Ghana.
The Association is therefore, calling on the Chief of Staff, and the Minister of Food and Agriculture to engage with the Parliament of Ghana to promulgate laws to protect the value chain and Ghana as a whole, against the commercialization of GMO soya beans in Ghana.
Government he indicated, should do all it can to protect and maintain the Ghanaian NON-GMO Soya bean production. “It is our niche market and when lost, it will result in massive unemployment and loss of livelihood for all who benefit from the soya value chain in Ghana, especially for all the Northern regions of Ghana”.
Among the reasons given are that Ghana would lose its non–GMO Soya bean niche market, and there would be the possible collapse of the domestic market as consumers’ demand– GMO soybeans.
Again, the GM soya bean seeds would push smallholder farmers out of business and, increase unemployment.
In addition, Ghana would lose its food sovereignty and food security whilst, the country becomes uncompetitive on the Global market due to the loss of its non-GMO status.
Government according to Mr. Thomas W. Bello needs to rather address the access to Land Preparation; Irrigation; Mechanization; Access to finance, inputs, and services including Warehousing, etc.
The Association hinted that there is a potential risk of toxicity, and genetic hazards associated with GM soya beans in Ghana.
Also, there is the risk of mutations in human genes or unintended consequences likewise, risk to human health due to exposure to excessive use of agrochemicals
