Source: newsthemegh.com
The Human Rights Court 1 has denied Food Sovereignty Ghana and others’ request for an interlocutory injunction against the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) on the authorization granted for the registration of fourteen genetically modified crops for use as food, feed, and processing in Ghana.
In rejecting the plea on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, the court presided over by Her Ladyship, Justice Barbara Tetteh-Charway, recognized the NBA’s vigilance in carrying out its statutory role in guaranteeing the safety and regulatory compliance of GMO crops within Ghana’s agricultural sector.
On April 10, 2024, Food Sovereignty Ghana and associates filed an application for an interlocutory injunction to prevent the National Biosafety Committee and four other parties from “releasing any GM product into the Ghanaian ecosystem.”
The court further cautioned that contacting the NBA for information would have prevented the current application from being filed.
The landmark decision affirms that science-based functional biosafety systems are essential to increase producer choice, boost consumer confidence, ease trade, and advance agricultural research and development. It also represents a significant milestone for players in the biotechnology and agricultural innovation space.
On Friday, May 24, 2024, the substantive case will be decided.
In a statement dated April 30, 2024, the NBA promised Ghanaians that it will continue to engage with stakeholders in a transparent manner and ensure the safety of contemporary biotechnology in Ghana.