Accra, May 25, 2024 — In a landmark decision this week, the court has ruled in favor of increased transparency and consumer rights regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Ghana. Food Sovereignty Ghana (FSG), a prominent advocacy group, hailed the ruling as a significant step forward, despite the dismissal of their case against the commercial release of genetically modified cowpeas.
Mandatory Labeling of GMOs
The judge’s ruling mandates that all foods and animal feed containing GMOs must be clearly labeled. This directive extends to both supermarkets and local markets, ensuring that consumers can make informed decisions about the products they purchase. The court’s decision acknowledges the public’s right to know what is in their food, a key concern for FSG and its allies.
Increased Public Education on GMOs
The court also recognized the need for more comprehensive public education on GMOs. The judge highlighted that the efforts made by the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) were insufficient and directed that further educational initiatives be undertaken. This component of the ruling aligns with FSG’s ongoing advocacy for greater awareness and understanding of the potential impacts of GMOs.
Grassroots Efforts to Continue
FSG’s Communications Director, Edwin Kweku Andoh Baffour, emphasized the importance of continuing grassroots engagement. “We must ensure Ghanaians can choose whether or not to patronize food that contains GM ingredients,” he stated. “This means no GMO cowpeas in waakye, tugbaani, koose, or red-red if you do not wish to eat GMOs.”
Remembering Ali Masmadi Jehu-Appiah
The ruling was also an emotional moment for FSG, as members remembered their founder, Ali Masmadi Jehu-Appiah. His vision and dedication to the cause of food sovereignty have been instrumental in driving the organization’s efforts over the years.
A Mixed Verdict
While the dismissal of the case against the commercial release of GM cowpeas was a setback, the court’s directive for mandatory labeling and increased education is seen as a partial victory. It provides a framework for consumers to make informed choices and pushes for greater transparency in the food industry.
Future Directions
Moving forward, FSG plans to intensify its advocacy and educational campaigns. The organization aims to ensure the court’s directives are fully implemented and that Ghanaians are well-informed about the food they consume. This includes monitoring the labeling practices in markets and educating the public on the implications of GMOs.
Today’s ruling marks a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle for food sovereignty in Ghana. It reinforces the importance of transparency and consumer rights, setting a precedent for future actions in the fight against GMOs.
A Comprehensive Timeline of GMO and Food Sovereignty Ghana
2024: Court Mandates GMO Labeling in Ghana
– May 2024: The court rules that all foods and feed containing GMOs must be labeled, allowing consumers to make informed decisions. The judge also calls for more public education on GMOs. FSG views this as a partial victory despite the dismissal of their case against the commercial release of GM cowpeas.
2022: International Recognition
– October 17, 2022: Food Sovereignty Ghana wins the International Food Sovereignty Prize by the US Food Sovereignty Alliance for its work in promoting safe and organic food.
– Source: [Ghana News Agency](https://gna.org.gh/2022/10/food-sovereignty-ghana-wins-us-food-sovereignty-alliance-award/)
2021: National Biosafety Authority Strengthens Regulations
– The National Biosafety Authority declares readiness to regulate GMOs, stating that all necessary safety measures are in place.
– Source: [Borgen Magazine](https://borgenmagazine.com/genetically-modified-organisms-in-ghana/)
2019: High Court Hearings and Expert Witnesses
– Activists plan to call Vandana Shiva as an expert witness in the GMO court case. The High Court adjourns the case to allow time for securing testimonies from international experts.
– Source: [Alliance for Science](https://allianceforscience.cornell.edu/blog/2019/07/activists-plan-to-call-vandana-shiva-as-expert-witness-in-ghana-gmo-court-case/)
2017: Continued Legal and Public Actions
– Food Sovereignty Ghana sues the government again over GMOs, continuing to push for strict adherence to the Biosafety Act and preventing what they see as illegal commercialization efforts.
– Sources: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food_in_Ghana), [Graphic Online](https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/food-sovereignty-ghana-cofam-demonstrate-against-gmos.html)
2015: Temporary Halt on GMO Commercialization
– A court order temporarily halts the commercialization of GMOs in response to legal actions by Food Sovereignty Ghana, which argued that the processes followed by the government did not comply with the Biosafety Act.
– Sources: [Project MUSE](https://muse.jhu.edu/article/731156), [Food Systems Caravan](https://foodsystemscaravan.org/a-holistic-view-to-food-sovereignty-in-ghana/)
2014: Public Protests and Legal Challenges Begin
– Food Sovereignty Ghana organizes large public demonstrations against GMOs, highlighting concerns about health risks and corporate control of agriculture. The Plant Breeders Bill becomes a focal point of opposition.
– Sources: [Graphic Online](https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/food-sovereignty-ghana-cofam-demonstrate-against-gmos.html), [Borgen Magazine](https://borgenmagazine.com/genetically-modified-organisms-in-ghana/)
2012: Presidential Assent
– Ghana’s law on GM foods, aligned with the Biosafety Act, receives presidential assent, officially allowing for the legal introduction of GMOs.
– Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food_in_Ghana)
2011: Founding and Initial Activities
– The Ghanaian government enacts the Biosafety Act to provide a legal framework for the introduction and regulation of GMOs in the country. FSG is established to advocate for policies supporting food sovereignty and to protect local agriculture from multinational corporations.
– Sources: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food_in_Ghana), [Food Systems Caravan](https://foodsystemscaravan.org/a-holistic-view-to-food-sovereignty-in-ghana/), [Borgen Magazine](https://borgenmagazine.com/genetically-modified-organisms-in-ghana/)
Key Activities of Food Sovereignty Ghana
– Advocacy and Public Campaigns: FSG organizes rallies, educational workshops, and media campaigns to inform the public about the dangers of GMOs and the importance of food sovereignty.
– Legal Actions: They have filed multiple lawsuits to challenge the introduction of GMOs and to push for stricter regulatory measures.
– International Collaboration: FSG collaborates with global food sovereignty movements to share strategies and amplify their message.
Goals and Vision
FSG aims to transform Ghana’s food system to one that is ecologically sustainable, economically viable for smallholder farmers, and culturally appropriate. They believe that achieving food sovereignty is crucial for maintaining national sovereignty and protecting the environment.
Sources:
– Ghana News Agency: [https://gna.org.gh/2022/10/food-sovereignty-ghana-wins-us-food-sovereignty-alliance-award/](https://gna.org.gh/2022/10/food-sovereignty-ghana-wins-us-food-sovereignty-alliance-award/)
– Food Systems Caravan: [https://foodsystemscaravan.org/a-holistic-view-to-food-sovereignty-in-ghana/](https://foodsystemscaravan.org/a-holistic-view-to-food-sovereignty-in-ghana/)
– MyJoyOnline: [https://www.myjoyonline.com/ghana-needs-food-and-seed-sovereignty-chaka-uzondu/](https://www.myjoyonline.com/ghana-needs-food-and-seed-sovereignty-chaka-uzondu/)
– Project MUSE: [https://muse.jhu.edu/article/731156](https://muse.jhu.edu/article/731156)
– Wikipedia: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food_in_Ghana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food_in_Ghana)
– Borgen Magazine: [https://borgenmagazine.com/genetically-modified-organisms-in-ghana/](https://borgenmagazine.com/genetically-modified-organisms-in-ghana/)
– Alliance for Science: [https://allianceforscience.cornell.edu/blog/2019/07/activists-plan-to-call-vandana-shiva-as-expert-witness-in-ghana-gmo-court-case/](https://allianceforscience.cornell.edu/blog/2019/07/activists-plan-to-call-vandana-shiva-as-expert-witness-in-ghana-gmo-court-case/)
