Samia to join in fighting the introduction of GMOs in the country

Food Sovereignty Ghana (FSG) a social advocacy group contesting the introduction of Genetically Modified Foods in Ghana is opposing an application by the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen to join the suit as defendants.  

The Plaintiffs believe the overriding interest of the Farmers and Fishermen is protected by the Ministry of food and Agriculture (MOFA), which is already a defendant in the case. 

Counsel for the Plaintiffs, George Tetteh Wayo, have informed the Human Rights Court Presided over by Justice Kofi Essel Mensah that FSG was short served with the application for joinder by the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen.  

A representative form the Attorney-General`s Department Grace Ewool said the AG has not been formally served with the application but is not opposed to it.  

Mr. Wayo said he will respond to the motion which he is opposed to, formally.  

He noted that the case is one that has assumed international proportions and prayed for an adjournment in order to respond.  

He rationalises the opposition to the joinder.

Food Sovereignty says it is fighting the cause of the citizenry and thus, will oppose any group or persons who contest their action.  

The Group sued the National Bio Safety Committee and MOFA over the approval and sale of genetically modified cowpeas and rice in the country.  

Subsequently the National Biosafety Authority and the Attorney-General joined the suit as defendants.  

FSG identifies post harvest losses as one cause of the country`s challenges.

Former Member of Parliament for Djomoro and Chairperson of the CPP Samia Nkrumah who is in league with the plaintiffs says the CPP as a Party has concluded that the Plant Breeders Bill is not in the interest of the country.  

She said GMO is not certified as a safe means of food production.  

She noted that as a country, we have failed to address our food production.  

Miss Nkrumah said the application by the Farmers and Fishermen Association does not say much as they may not have been sensitised to GMO`s and thus have no idea of the its implications.

The CPP Chair said it is very possible that some Parliamentarians may not be well informed about GMOs' and the implications.  

She called on Ghanaians to join in the cause of Food Sovereignty Ghana.

CPP Chair Samia Nkrumah on the need to join in fighting the introduction of GMOs in the country.

GBC