Research Scientist in Ghana calls for the approval of GMO cowpea for farmers

Dr Richard Ampadu-Ameyaw, a Senior Research Scientist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has reiterated the need for approval of Genetic Modified Organisms (GMOs) Biotechnology cowpea (Bt cowpea), for release to farmers. He said confined field trials on the cowpea which had over eleven years been going on in the country, should no longer be delayed as the cowpea had proven resistance to insects and pests. He acknowledged that even though authorities could not jump the gun but follow due processes, undue delay could cause regulatory costs that encompass payments of researchers and staff, logistics and security services at the trial fields which he stressed were unnecessary. Dr Ampadu-Ameyaw made the call during a field trip with some journalists undergoing a three day training on understanding the Role of Genetic Modified Organisms(GMOs) in agricultural production, organized by the Alliance for Science (AfS) – a network for scientists, farmers, academics ...