Lead scientist on Genetically Modified (GM) Cowpea, for CSIR-SARI, Dr Jerry Nboyine, has assured the public that the newly released genetically modified (GM) cowpea is free from toxins and allergens.

According to him, protocols are followed before any GM crop is introduced into the ecosystem.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on July 30, he said, “For any GM crop that we eventually release into the ecosystem, we test and prove that there are no known allergens associated with it and you also test to ensure that there is no toxicity associated with it. These are the basic protocols that are followed before any GM crop is released.”

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Addressing concerns about misinformation, Dr Nboyine urged the public to be cautious about the sources of their information.

He noted that some online publications claim GM cowpeas are harmful, which can lead to the spread of misinformation.

“I would have been happy if you had stated the source of that article. Let us be careful not to read online publications that are not peer reviewed. That is why in science, we talk about peer reviewed documents. So people throw in their own opinions that are not backed by science and if we read outside documents we are likely to mislead the public.”

According to the scientist, Ghana follows international protocols that prohibit the release of GM crops carrying allergens or toxins.

“Based on international protocols which Ghana has signed, you cannot release any GM crop that carries allergens or carry any form of toxicity. That is why we conduct bio informatics analysis to ensure that there is no toxin associated with the profile of whatever GM crop that we are producing. It is absolutely false.”