Ghana’s Human Rights Court 1 has ruled in favor of the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) regarding the introduction of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in the country.
The lawsuit, filed by Food Sovereignty Ghana (FSG) and others, was dismissed after nine years of legal battle.
The court found that FSG failed to adequately demonstrate how their concerns directly related to the commercialization of GMO cowpea. However, the judge did recognize the public’s right to know about GMOs.
Key takeaways:
- The court dismissed the lawsuit challenging the introduction of GMOs.
- The NBA remains responsible for regulating GMOs and ensuring no unapproved products enter the market.
- The court ordered the NBA to:
- Continue public education about GMOs.
- Finalize labeling guidelines for GMO products before commercialization.
- Publish data on imported GM cowpea.
- Label all existing GMO products.
Reactions:
- The NBA is pleased with the ruling and vows to continue transparent communication.
- FSG expresses mixed feelings but sees the labeling requirement as a victory for consumer choice.
Additional Information:
- Research on BT Cowpea, a specific GMO, has been ongoing in Ghana for 12 years under NBA guidelines.
- The NBA and Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) have already developed labeling guidelines for GMOs with stakeholder input, including FSG.
