The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has disclosed that plans are underway to outline guidelines for genome editing and stack genes in September this year.

Speaking at a workshop for scientists on biotechnology, Chief Executive Officer of the authority, Eric Okoree emphasised that his outfit is working assiduously to ensure that everything produced is safe to consume.

“In September, we will be coming out with guidelines in genome editing. Now genome editing is not a classical way where the gene is transferred from the donor to the recipient through the gene gun or the agro bacterium”, he said.

He explained that it is the same organism and the gene is edited in the organism.

“So to practice that in Ghana, we have come out with guidelines on that. We have also come out with guidelines on stack genes which grants the opportunity for anyone who wants to add a gene on another,” he added.

The Director General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Professor Paul Bosu indicated that farmers are highly expectant of the release of Genetically Modified Organisms. According to him, they will continue to educate the public to help shape perception.

“If a farmer spends money on spraying about eight times per a cycle and they can significantly reduce that and then get their yields as well as cut down cost by 80%, the farmer would be happy.

Prof. Bosu stated that the farmers are waiting for the final release.

“We aim to educate and create awareness for the public to understand the basics of GMOs and know that biotechnology is something we have lived with over the years. They will come to appreciate it. Also, we’re optimistic that will prove that these processes are safe,” he said.

The Pod-borer resistant cowpea has been approved by the National Biosafety Authority but it’s yet to be released for mass production and commercialisation.