The Soya Value Chain Association of Ghana is kicking against government’s attempt to commercialize Genetically Modified Organisms(GMO) seeds for soya beans.
The rejection according to SVCAG is aimed at safeguarding the country’s pride from being contaminated while preserving the natural state of the beans.
At press conference recently,the Executive Secretary, SVCAG, Mr. Yaw Afrifa Anim decried a possible destruction of the Ghanaian non-GMO soyabeans production.
This, he said called for an immediate and pragmatic response to protect the host of peasant farmers engaged in the cultivation.
“The Ghanaian non-GMO soyabeans production is the niche market and when lost,it will result in massive unemployment”, the Association disclosed.
In addition,SVCAG decried the possible loss of peasant farmers’ livelihoods should government goes ahead with its plan.
The Association’s position is that Ghana risks losing from should GMO soyabeans cultivation be accepted.
Aside from struggling to raise money for land preparation, irrigation, mechanization, inputs and services as well as warehousing, he disclosed that peasant farmers will face difficulty in raising several dollars for importation of soyabeans for cultivation since harvested seeds will not be viable for cultivation.
In view of the growing concern, the Association has outlined 6 ways by which the country stands to lose should the GMO be commercialized.
SVCAG strongly holds the view that Ghana will lose the non-GMO soyabeans niche market while there are fears of possible collapse of domestic market as consumers demand non-GMO soyabeans.
The Association disclosed that GMO seeds will push smallholder farmers out of business.The rest according to the SVCAG include increased unemployment, Ghana will lose her food sovereignty and security, and this will make the country uncompetitive in the face of global market.
Rather than rolling out a measure which holds greater prospects of eroding gains made in the sector, SVCAG is urging government to promulgate legislation which will instead protect the value chain and the country at large.
A soyabeans farmer, Mr. Stephen Jabal Mawah wants government to reconsider its decision of commercializing GMO in the country as it will them out of business.
He further noted that shortages were eminent should government go ahead.
