(Accra, Ghana) — In a landmark achievement that signaled a breakthrough in the country’s agricultural development, Ghana approved the commercial cultivation of its first genetically modified (GM) crop on July 25, 2024.
The launch of the pod borer-resistant (PBR) cowpea, also known as Bt cowpea, underscores Ghana’s commitment to leveraging biotechnology to boost food security and improve farmer productivity.
Bt cowpea is genetically engineered to withstand attacks from Maruca vitrata, a destructive pest commonly known as the pod borer. According to researchers, this improved variety can produce yields of up to 2 tonnes per hectare—nearly four times that of traditional cowpea varieties—while reducing pesticide use.
PBR cowpea was developed by the Ghana-based CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) in collaboration with AATF and other partners under a public-private partnership to improve cowpea production in sub-Saharan Africa.
In this piece, I speak with Prof. Walter Sandow Alhassan, former Board Chair, AATF- a leading African research scientist who helped develop the Bt cowpea. His pioneering and visionary work was instrumental in laying the foundation for agricultural biotechnology in Ghana and his legacy continues to shape the country’s path toward food security and innovation.
Q: What are some of the obstacles that were overcome in introducing GM crops to farmers in Ghana?
A: In the early 2000s, engaging farmers in Ghana and across West Africa on biotechnology was easy—many were eager to adopt GM products after learning their benefits. However, the major barrier was the lack of legal frameworks. Ghana, like its neighbors, had no biosafety law, which stalled donor-backed initiatives like the Program for Biosafety Systems (PBS) and the Agricultural Biotechnology Support Project. PBS withdrew in 2005 out of frustration. When Ghana showed signs of passing a biosafety law, donors returned in 2008. With passage of the Biosafety Act, 2011 (Act 831) and Biosafety Regulations, 2019 (LI 2383), Ghana finally established a legal path for releasing GM crops like Bt cowpea.
A key challenge now is the limited availability of Bt cowpea seeds. Many farmers are eager to adopt the technology after learning about its benefits, but access remains a barrier. The government should support and incentivize seed-producing agencies to scale up production. Additionally, mechanization is needed for large-scale cultivation. Machinery for harvesting and threshing cowpea—especially combined machines—will be crucial to fully realize the productivity gains and ease of handling that Bt cowpea offers.
Q: Which crops in Ghana have been modified using this technology and what is the benefit?
A: So far, only Bt cowpea has been approved. The benefits of adopting Bt cowpea are significant. Beyond being safe to eat, it drastically reduces the need for insecticides—from about eight sprays to just two. This not only lowers production costs but also minimizes environmental impact. Additionally, yields can double, as the cowpea is protected from insect pests that typically damage flowers and reduce productivity. By preventing flower drop and allowing the plant to reach its full potential, Bt cowpea enhances food security and farmer income.
Q: Why is misinformation about GMOs a problem and what steps should be taken to address it?
A: Misinformation has been a major barrier to GMO adoption because for years, advocacy happened in a product vacuum. We spoke positively about GMOs, but there was nothing tangible for people to see or use—no real product to back our claims. Now, with the launch of the pod borer-resistant cowpea in Ghana and similar products like [TELA] maize in Nigeria, the narrative can change. People will use these products, see no harm and finally begin to believe through real experience rather than abstract explanations.
Q: What lessons can other countries that are yet to adopt the technology learn from Ghana?
A: The biggest lesson for countries yet to adopt biotechnology is to first establish strong biosafety laws. Without a legal framework, it’s impossible to regulate or release GM products, which delays progress and frustrates partners. Once laws are in place, countries must invest in capacity building—training scientists and regulatory staff to handle gene transfer into local varieties and manage the transformation process effectively. Additionally, attention must be given to packaging technologies to ensure successful adoption and commercialization.
Q: Does Ghana have adequate policies and personnel to support the adoption of GM crops?
A: Yes, Ghana now has the policies and growing human resource base to support GM crop adoption. Our universities are training more students in biotechnology and genetic modification, and awareness is increasing. However, we still need more support, especially in equipping laboratories for postgraduate research and analytical work. Scientists need access to tools, opportunities to attend international conferences and platforms to share and learn from global peers. Without these, trained professionals may feel compelled to leave the country. We must ensure they have the resources to stay and contribute meaningfully at home.
Q: What are the prospects for GMOs globally?
A: The future prospects for GMOs globally are promising. Although anti-GM groups still exist, their influence has waned significantly, largely because millions of people are now consuming GM products without reported health issues. The technology has proven its safety and is here to stay. Moreover, newer advancements like genome editing are emerging, allowing for more precise and “user-friendly” modifications without transferring genes from unrelated species—addressing a key concern of critics. As global familiarity with GMOs grows, the resistance seen in the past is likely to diminish, especially as these innovations continue to offer practical solutions in agriculture.
Q: What advice would you give to a young scientist entering the field of agricultural biotechnology?
A: My advice to young scientists entering agricultural biotechnology is to recognize the vast opportunities the field offers—not just in agriculture, but also in industry, law enforcement and health, such as DNA testing. As an animal scientist specializing in large ruminants, I’ve seen firsthand how biotechnology can improve livestock feeding through the use of crop residues like maize stalks and cowpea.
Q: What do you consider your legacy in advancing science, technology and innovation in agriculture?
A: My legacy in advancing science, technology and innovation in agriculture spans multiple areas. As an animal scientist, I specialized in large ruminants and championed the use of crop residues—like maize stalks and cowpea leaves—as sustainable feed, especially in Nigeria and Ghana. This approach promoted recycling nutrients through livestock and manure.
I also played a key role in creating biotechnology awareness in West and Central Africa through extensive surveys and advocacy, highlighting capacity gaps and the urgency for training. At CSIR (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research), I helped drive policy reforms, particularly making the PhD a requirement for research scientists, which elevated the quality of research and manpower. I also led audits and panels that pushed for professional development, leaving behind a stronger, more capable scientific community.
Q: What disappointed you during your long and illustrious career?
A: One of my major disappointments has been the persistent lack of sustainable funding for research in Ghana. While government pays salaries and occasionally invests in infrastructure, core research activities often rely heavily on external donors like the World Bank. Once such projects end, research output declines drastically due to a lack of domestic funding continuity. I believe African governments must prioritize science and technology, as it is the true driver of national wealth. Unfortunately, political cycles often undermine this—research requires long-term investment, while politicians seek quick wins within their four-year terms.
We need a consistent, non-partisan national science and technology policy, possibly championed by the National Development Planning Commission, that mandates continuity across political administrations. Without this, we’ll keep depending on foreign aid while missing opportunities to develop our own innovations.
SOURCE: DAILYAGRIC
