Ghana's National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has submitted its Fifth National Report on the implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. This report, covering the period from 2019 to February 2026, details Ghana's significant progress. It shows the country's evolution from a theoretical biosafety framework to a fully functioning regulatory body.
The NBA's report highlights a decade of operational advancements in biosafety. Ghana, as a party to the Cartagena Protocol, must regularly report its implementation efforts to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The latest submission underscores the nation's commitment to managing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) safely and effectively.
This development is crucial for Ghana's agricultural sector and its international standing. Effective biosafety regulation ensures the safe introduction and use of genetically modified materials. It protects public health and the environment while supporting agricultural innovation. The report's findings indicate a maturing regulatory environment that can attract investment and foster scientific research responsibly.
Mr. Kwame Dei Asamoah Okyere, CEO of the NBA, stated that Ghana answered 92% of applicable questions in the report. He noted that 15 of the 22 reporting areas were fully implemented. "Ghana has moved from building a biosafety framework on paper to operating it as a functioning regulatory system," Mr. Asamoah Okyere explained. He emphasized that the Third Report of 2015 and Fourth Report of 2019, when read alongside the latest, tell a comprehensive story of a decade of success.
Looking ahead, the NBA's continued development is vital for Ghana's economic future. The ability to regulate genetically modified materials effectively impacts trade, food security, and scientific collaboration. Decision-makers will monitor how Ghana addresses remaining challenges, particularly in laboratory infrastructure and staffing. The report's implications extend to investor confidence in Ghana's regulatory stability and its capacity for innovation.
Over the past decade, the NBA has issued nine specialized biosafety guidelines. It has also made 22 regulatory decisions concerning imports of genetically modified materials for food, feed, and processing. More than 100 professionals have received training in risk assessment, risk management, and detecting living modified organisms (LMOs). These achievements demonstrate a robust capacity-building effort within the country.
A significant milestone occurred in 2024 when the Authority approved 14 genetically modified events for food, feed, and processing. This approval showcased Ghana's end-to-end capacity to process applications, assess scientific risks, make decisions, and publish determinations. These determinations are shared through the international Biosafety Clearinghouse, ensuring transparency and global collaboration.
The NBA has also expanded its influence beyond Ghana's borders. In 2022, it provided biosafety capacity-building support to Malawi. This marks a notable shift, as Ghana transitioned from a recipient of assistance to a provider of expertise. This international engagement enhances Ghana's reputation as a leader in biosafety regulation within Africa.
Despite these successes, challenges persist. Mr. Asamoah Okyere expressed concern about the lack of a certified laboratory for detecting LMOs. He also noted that biosafety staffing remains below required levels. Predictable funding for capacity-building is not yet secured, and the Nagoya–Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress is not yet in force, though a draft instrument is pending. Addressing these issues will be critical for the NBA's continued effectiveness and Ghana's long-term biosafety goals.